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Hosted by colby sharp
Hosted by colby sharp
Hosted by colby sharp
Hosted by colby sharp
5 episodes with colby sharp
5 episodes with colby sharp
2 episodes with colby sharp
3 episodes with colby sharp
4 episodes with colby sharp
In this special episode, Colby Sharp shares his experience of traveling to Alaska to talk about children's books.
Send us a textDonalyn Miller talks to us about access to reading and books, reader identity and reader communities, and joy in reading and learning. Donalyn is known for her work sharing the importance of self-selected independent reading and provides suggestions and resources that foster children's love of reading and the development of positive reading identities. She is known as The Book Whisperer, the title of her first book, published in 2009. Donalyn has also written Reading in the Wild, and co-authored Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids and The Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library with Colby Sharp, and The Joy of Reading with Teri Lesesne. With Colby Sharp, Donalyn co-founded The Nerdy Book Club blog, which provides daily inspiration, book recommendations, resources, and advice about raising and teaching young readers. Donalyn Miller is an award-winning Texas teacher, author and reading advocate. She lives in San Antonio. To cite this episode: Persohn, L. (Host). (2024, Oct. 8). A conversation with Donalyn Miller (Season 5, No. 3) [Audio podcast episode]. In Classroom Caffeine Podcast series. https://www.classroomcaffeine.com/guests. DOI: 10.5240/517B-1356-013D-C672-F136-M Connect with Classroom Caffeine at www.classroomcaffeine.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
"If you're looking for a typical story with words and a plot, this ain't it. Go somewhere else." It's the podcast we've wanted to do for months. The ultimate crossover. For the first time, TWO School Library Journal podcasts have come together to consider the classical status of a picture book of the past. You know him. You love him. You cannot help but be aware of his blog (100 Scope Notes), his picture books (The Ship in the Window, Just One Flake, etc.), or his podcast (The Yarn). His co-host Colby Sharp was unavailable but we did get... Travis Jonker! Woohoo! Yay! As per usual, when we have a guest on the podcast we ask them to select a picture book to discuss. Travis's choice is none other than that Remy Charlip delight, Thirteen. A 1975 release, it was re-released in 2018 and remains in print to this day. Amongst its many fans are Brian Selznick, who modeled his character of Marie-Georges-Jean Méliès on the face of Remy Charlip. Today we discuss how this book "rewards repeat rereading" and how it reminds us of Black and White by David Macaulay (though that was only four stories. Not thirteen!) It's a dream for fans of tiny details. Discover it for yourself. For the full Show Notes, please visit: https://afuse8production.slj.com/2024/10/29/fuse-8-n-kate-crossover-episode-the-yarn-presents-travis-jonker-with-thirteen-by-remy-charlip-and-jerry-joyner/
In this episode of the SCBWI Podcast, we are joined by John Schu aka Mr. Schu!John Schu has made a career out of advocating for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, and the people that connect them. He was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for his dynamic interactions with students and his passionate adoption of new technologies as a means of connecting authors, illustrators, books, and readers. He is the children's librarian for Bookelicious, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and shares his love of reading with countless educators and students around the world. He served as the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs for almost 6 years. He is the author of This Is a School (Candlewick Press, 2022) illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, This Is a Story (Candlewick Press, 2023) illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, Louder Than Hunger (Candlewick, 2024) and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Stenhouse, 2022). He is a contributor to The Creativity Project (Little, Brown, 2018), edited by Colby Sharp. John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois. Buy Louder Than Hunger Here: https://bookshop.org/a/19191/9781536229097and check out the rest of John's books here:https://www.johnschu.com/Follow him on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/mrschureads/Support the show
Do you ever find yourself consumed with the 'voice inside your head'? How do you separate out what is helpful vs what is harmful? When do you speak up to obtain the necessary tools and resources to come out of a difficult situation? These are some of the topics discussed in the latest episode of the podcast! Author John Schu stops by the podcast to discuss his latest book 'Louder Than Hunger' and he and Joe get into a deep conversation about how to navigate some of life's most difficult times growing up. Also, because John is a librarian there are plenty of discussions around libraries, enjoy! About John Schu John Schu has made a career out of advocating for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, and the people that connect them. He was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for his dynamic interactions with students and his passionate adoption of new technologies as a means of connecting authors, illustrators, books, and readers. He is the children's librarian for Bookelicious, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and shares his love of reading with countless educators and students around the world. He served as the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs for almost 6 years. He is the author of This Is a School (Candlewick Press, 2022) illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, This Is a Story (Candlewick Press, 2023) illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, Louder Than Hunger (Candlewick, 2024) and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Stenhouse, 2022). He is a contributor to The Creativity Project (Little, Brown, 2018), edited by Colby Sharp. John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois. About 'Louder Than Hunger' Revered teacher, librarian, and story ambassador John Schu explores anorexia—and self-expression as an act of survival—in a wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse. But another voice inside me says, We need help. We're going to die. Jake volunteers at a nursing home because he likes helping people. He likes skating and singing, playing Bingo and Name That Tune, and reading mysteries and comics aloud to his teachers. He also likes avoiding people his own age . . . and the cruelty of mirrors . . . and food. Jake has read about kids like him in books—the weird one, the outsider—and would do anything not to be that kid, including shrink himself down to nothing. But the less he eats, the bigger he feels. How long can Jake punish himself before he truly disappears? A fictionalized account of the author's experiences and emotions living in residential treatment facilities as a young teen with an eating disorder, Louder than Hunger is a triumph of raw honesty. With a deeply personal afterword for context, this much-anticipated verse novel is a powerful model for muffling the destructive voices inside, managing and articulating pain, and embracing self-acceptance, support, and love. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
I have been looking forward to connecting with Colby for a long time. I LOVE his enthusiasm for life and reading and people. He's run almost 1,700 consecutive days, normally around 6 miles per day - even in a tropical storm.----Follow Colby + website.Borderlands.cc / @borderlandstr / @runborderlands
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
In this special extended episode, Colby and Travis discuss the year that was in children's literature.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book, WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ--WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO (Second Edition), written by Kylene Beers.
Hello everyone! I had Colby Sharp on the podcast back in 2017, and we talked about sharing our stories as educators.Years later, Colby has released new books, podcasts, and so much more, as he spreads the good news of literacy and books with his audience. Last week, we spent our time talking about classroom libraries, how Covid changed Colby's perception on what's important, and how proximity to books and having multiple access points to literature is key to building independent readers. This week, we continue talking about the importance of proximity to books, but also discuss librarians, what it means when people say schools aren't teaching kids to read, and why it's important to foster reading joy in children. This episode is sponsored by EVERFI. Everyone remembers THAT teacher. The study hall teacher who walked you through your first college application. The social studies teacher who taught you what taxes were AND how to file them. The math teacher who used student loans to show you how interest worked. YOU can be that teacher—and EVERFI wants to help you make that kind of impact with FREE digital lessons for K thru 12 students. From budgets and banking to credit and savings, you'll find a financial literacy topic that's right for your classroom. And especially during April, Financial Literacy Month, there's no better time to equip students with smart decision-making around finances. Learn how you can share these FREE resources with students and give them a financial foundation that lasts a lifetime. Just go to everfi.com/TeachMe. That's E-V-E-R-F-I dot com slash Teach Me. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán. With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice. Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible. The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom. Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.
Hello everyone! I had Colby Sharp on the podcast back in 2017, and we talked about sharing our stories as educators.Years later, Colby has released new books, podcasts, and so much more, as he spreads the good news of literacy and books with his audience. Today, we spend our time talking about classroom libraries, how Covid changed Colby's perception on what's important, and how proximity to books and having multiple access points to literature is key to building independent readers. This episode is sponsored by EVERFI. Everyone remembers THAT teacher. The study hall teacher who walked you through your first college application. The social studies teacher who taught you what taxes were AND how to file them. The math teacher who used student loans to show you how interest worked. YOU can be that teacher—and EVERFI wants to help you make that kind of impact with FREE digital lessons for K thru 12 students. From budgets and banking to credit and savings, you'll find a financial literacy topic that's right for your classroom. And especially during April, Financial Literacy Month, there's no better time to equip students with smart decision-making around finances. Learn how you can share these FREE resources with students and give them a financial foundation that lasts a lifetime. Just go to everfi.com/TeachMe. That's E-V-E-R-F-I dot com slash Teach Me. This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and brand-new edition of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers. Reading matters because it changes us: the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we process information. But when kids don't read, when they can't read, they miss out on lots of learning and growth. That's why this book is such a valuable addition to any teacher's toolkit. The new edition of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do is extensively rewritten and filled with scaffolds and strategies that support different ways to help students become more skilled, engaged, and curious readers. Learn more and download a free sample at Hein.pub/WKCR.
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.This episode is sponsored by TRUSTING READERS: POWERFUL PRACTICES FOR INDEPENDENT READING, written by Jennifer Scoggin, Hannah Schneewind. Visit Hein.pub/TrustingReaders to learn more and order a copy
Colby Sharp and Donalyn Miller (co-authors of THE COMMONSENSE GUIDE TO YOUR CLASSROOM LIBRARY) discuss reading plans and how they can encourage students become more independent readers.This episode is sponsored by READING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, written by Lester L. Laminack and Katie Kelly.
Shannon and Mary chat with Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp about their recently published Common Sense Guide to Your Classroom Library. The reading teachers discuss how to set up and use the library to maximize its impact with kids. This conversation provides the WHY behind decision making and instructional use of the classroom library.Episode Resources:The Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library: Building a Collection that Inspires, Engages, and Challenges Readers by Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp * Amazon affiliate link*Colby Sharp's BlogNerdy Book Club (joint blog)Donalyn Miller's website The Book Whisperer.comGame Changer! Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp *Amazon affiliate link*Reading Rockets: Creating a Classroom LibraryScholastic: 6 Tips to Help Set Up a Classroom LibraryEducation to the Core: Setting Up Your Classroom Libraryour episode about Books as Windows, Doors, and MirrorsBuilding an Effective Classroom Library by Susan Catapano, Jane Fleming, and Martille Elias (Journal of Language and Literacy Education 2009)Choice Literacy: Creating a Student-Organized Classroom LibraryASCD: Creating a Classroom Library Together BookSource to Organize your CollectionRegie Routman: Organize an Outstanding Classroom Library Booksourcebanter: Resources for Building a Classroom Library Follett Classroom Library Manager The Yarn (Children's Literature Podcast by Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker)Colby's Youtube description of a Book Pass Twitter: https://twitter.com/colbysharphttps://twitter.com/donalynbooksIG: https://www.instagram.com/donalynm/https://www.instagram.com/colbysharp/*We earn a small commission from the sales when you purchase the texts through our Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for taking the action to support the work of our show.*COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Our Website Support the show
How can you differentiate for such a wide range of writing levels in upper elementary, especially when it feels like pulling teeth to get your kids excited about writing? Writer's Workshop is a great solution, and with a few key moves in your teacher toolbox, your students' writing will start to soar! ***There are TONS of great references and resources shared throughout this episode. Scroll down to the Links section to check out the books I use and those free Jen Bengel resources I mentioned. The Navigator: Use this to find what you need most! (3:30) My favorite book of creative writing prompts for upper elementary (6:50) A quick rundown of the four component of a writing workshop model - be sure to check the links below for those articles and free resources that have been very helpful in getting the pieces functioning in my 3rd - 6th grade classrooms (9:50) My current favorite teacher book full of writer's workshop strategies and prompts: The Write Thing is written by one of my favorite authors, Kwame Alexander, full of his beautiful narratives of the workshop model's impacts on students he's worked with…seriously, this one is MAGIC! (11:10) The classroom management secrets! How do you manage such a variety of writing levels, topics, modes of publication…?!? Here's what the workshop block looks like in many classrooms. (15:55) Teacher move #1: How do you decide what to focus your conferring and small group time on? (18:25) Teacher move #2: Use mailing labels for your student workshop notes! It builds such a great picture of your young writers' progress. (20:30) Teacher move #3: How I use their graphic organizers to identify instructional focus points, quickly group students on the spot, and get students started with a specific goal while I pull group number one. (24:40) Teacher move #4: How do you figure out what to say to help students with the goal you've identified? Use my motto: “What would Jennifer Serravallo do?!” (26:50) Teacher move #5: How do you decide whether to confer one-on-one or pull a small group? (29:35) A workshop pep talk for teachers, in beautiful words, by Kwame Alexander (31:41) Teacher move #6: Use a wide variety of mentor texts - here's how a student used popular kid's podcasts to craft his own introduction, AND why this motivated more writing! Links and resources from this episode: Check out all the children's book creators who contributed to Colby Sharp's The Creativity Project book I shared about What is Writing Workshop? A quick overview on We Are Teachers FREE Reading & Writing Workshop Webinar and downloadable materials from Jen Bengel of Out of this World Literacy (I've watched this the last few summers and get energized and refine my craft each time!) The Write Thing: Kwame Alexander engages students in Writing Workshop, and you can too! The Writing Strategies Book from Jennifer Serravallo Get on the waitlist for the FREE virtual training on how to take your upper elementary lessons from rote to “REAL” - leave with 5 “purposeful project” planning templates and the tools you need to increase student engagement, boost motivation, and create lasting learning! Read my Edutopia article about the 5 authentic audiences that will motivate your upper grade writers. Loved this episode? Take a screenshot, add it to IG, and tag me @appleblossomteachers so we can help even more teachers just like you! Don't forget to submit your Curriculum Conundrum at appleblossomteachers.com/mycc, and subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an answer!
Pam Minard: Exciting Features of the 2022 Conference00:00:00 Molly RauhHello and welcome back to this CCIRAA Literacy Conversations podcast. I'm your host, Molly Rauh with my co-host...00:00:08 Jessica Rickert...Jessica Richert. Today's podcast features Pam Minard CCIRAs 2022 conference chair. We chatted a lot about the exciting opportunities, both learning and fun to get you rejuvenated. Join us on the journey to literacy and learning at the 2022 CCIRA conference, Feb 10, the 11th and 12th. All right, we have Pam Minard back on to talk about the conference. She had previously promoted the conference, but now we're moving the conference to from 2021 to 2022. So we're really excited to hear about some speakers and different things, because the conference is just around the corner. So Pam, tell us again about your thinking behind the theme of Journey.00:00:57 Pam MinardSure, my initial thinking was that journey that I see my students going through becoming literate in their lives, and how it's not just a quick journey. It can take a while. And then I thought about the journey in my own - journeys as a reader, as a teacher, as a bike rider. And just, you know, just takes time. When I first started mountain biking, I spent more time on the ground than I did on the seat of my bike, but I didn't give up, and that's what I want for my students. I want them to feel the challenge, but not give up. So that's kind of where my thinking was in 2019 when I chose the theme of Journey. Now, as we're moving into 2022 Journeys taken on a whole different meaning. And that is the Journey of covid and the postponement and the journey that we're all going through collectively across the world, not only in literate lives, but in our lives. So I could not, you know, I could not have picked a better conference theme that related to both education, personal lives and what's happening in the world than "journey." So we continue on like we always do.00:02:18 Molly RauhWell, I like the analogy that you mentioned with your biking mountain biking, and how you spent more time with your butt on the ground, then on the seat. And I feel like we're all feeling that as teachers right now, like the world has changed a little bit, and we're feeling a lot of hard days. But, you know...00:02:37 Pam MinardRight.00:02:37 Molly RauhWe get back on, and we keep writing. And so I really like that. I think that suits the world we're in right now, and the what you've dealt with trying to revise this conference now for, you know, first, to put it online. And then now again, to put it back in person, but I'm excited for you that we get to be in person and we get to have, you know, a real face-to-face conference with presenters. So my first question for you is, what are - I'm not, I'm not going to narrow you to 1 because that's just mean, three presenters and there's probably 50 to 100 that you're excited about, but three prisoners you're really excited to see at your conference this year.00:03:18 Pam MinardOkay, I did a lot of thinking about this this morning. And of course, while I was inviting presenters who has been act impactful in my life as a teacher, and I have to say, above all else, Ellin Oliver Keene. I would say, if you have not had the opportunity to sit in the room and listen to her speak, it's just a session that cannot be missed. I feel like every teacher has to experience Ellin Oliver Keene. Just to tell you a little bit about her. She's a local. She's from Colorado. She has been a staff developer, nonprofit director, adjunct professor. She's been with Denver's PEBC for about 16 years, the Public Education and Business Coalition. She works with schools in the United States and abroad. She has an emphasis on long-term school-based PD and strategic planning for literacy. That is a mouthful that might sound intimidating to listen to somebody talk about this. But every time I have heard her, it's just such common sense. And she's so easy to listen to and has so many great ideas. So on top of all of that, that she's, that she does interactive life, she's also written some books. She's been a co-author. I met her through a book 20 years ago, The Mosaic of Thought. It's been rewritten, not rewritten, but added to in the past 20 years. But I had no idea that that's who she was until I met her through CCIRA and then realized, oh my gosh, you made an impact on me 20 years ago. So that is my number one advice to conference attendees, whether you're a new teacher, middle of your career, end of your career: she is absolutely should be on your list if you haven't heard her. She speaking on Friday again, only one session, and it's from 915 to 10:45, it's session 308. That's my number one recommendation. Shall I keep going?00:05:24 Jessica RickertWell, let me pop in, because I have to emphasize what Pam said, like, I love people that can entertain and educate me, and especially when you're at a conference and you're going from session to session to session. And just like Pam said, like Ellen, is that they she has the research to back her, but she's funny, she's engaging. And yes, it's just things that you can take directly back into your classroom the next day. Always enjoyable and such a hit.00:05:54 Pam MinardYeah. So she's my number one recommendation. Number 2 and 3 are both in the world of writing. And a lot of you might not know, but we do survey our attendees, our board of directors, our local councils for, who do you want to see? So these two people came up with on those lists of who would you like us to invite to the conference? And they are Whitney La Rocca and Brian Kissel. They both really speak a lot to writing. Whitney is the author of Patterns of Power. I've heard great things about her. I've never attended one of her sessions. I plan on attending this year, but she says that her book offers practical classroom, ready advice to take into teaching the conventions of writing to the next level. I know a lot of us struggle with teaching writing, and I am always happy to have some practical strategies to put into my practice with writing. Nicely, she's got two sessions. She's a Thursday presenter. In the morning, she's going to focus on first grade through fifth grade. And then in the afternoon, she's going to focus on pre-k through first grade. So I really like that really narrowed down emphasis of this is what you can do with our first graders that are just learning to write, just wrapping their heads around those ideas of being a literate writing person, to the pre-k's that you're going to be interpreting pictures, that they're drawing and having more rich conversations with them than maybe production of writing. So that's one that I'm definitely going to attend. Again, she's a Thursday speaker. And then Brian is also a Thursday speaker, and he's going to talk again. I love this that they're both really there for the primary, primary students. So Brian's got a session that's K through 2. And then another one that's three through six. So he's going to go a little bit higher, but all about writing and having these conversations that we need to be having with kids about race, gender, ability, language, poverty. So really, I'm really curious to hear both of them. They came highly recommended to me. 00:08:15 Jessica RickertAnd Whitney's going to be on the podcast later in January too. Yeah. So we'll hear more from Whitney. I think Brian's going to write a blog to in January. So we'll get more information for both of them. So those are my two biggie's for writing on Thursday. And then I cannot leave out Angela Myers. I attended. I think it was the 2012 conference. When we had a huge snowstorm, one of our presenters called it snowmageddon in Denver and said, he had never seen a snowmobile riding down the middle of the highway, which was the case in Denver that weekend. But Angela came in as a pinch-hitter, and she was known at the time for a TED Talk that she gave called You Matter. And it was just so emotional. And so awesome to hear her talk about how we all need to matter. So she's been working on this mattering as a topic for several years now, and she's going to speak in a session later in the day on Thursday, called literacy, reimagined and just taking our literate lives, pre-technology into technology. And then her evening session on Thursday will be it's called Mattering is the Agenda. So please, I would encourage everybody to attend that it's from 4:30 to 6:00. You will probably walk out with wet eyes. She's just an amazing speaker, just makes you have that warm, fuzzy feeling inside when you leave her sessions.00:09:56 Molly RauhWell, and speaking of places, you get warm fuzzy feelings. I feel like one thing that is underutilized by new conference goers is General Sessions. Like some people just don't recognize, like that's there for everybody. You don't have to sign up for it, you just go and you enjoy the great speakers. And I feel like General Sessions, I always get, you know, they're the kinds of sessions that you're either, like laughing out loud. There have been ones where all up dancing around the room, there's probably some video from me, at a conference where I am for once being lively instead of a wallflower . There are, you know, sometimes they get you to cry. I've never teared up so much as I have at General Sessions. So who are some of our great General Session speakers that we get to look forward to?00:10:50 Pam MinardI'm glad you brought that up, because Lucy Caulkins is going to open our conference. So that should be amazing. If you haven't had the opportunity to hear Lucy again, I would highly recommend her. She's just a phenomenal speaker again. So, real. So common sense. So, you know, evolutionary, she changes her thinking when it's appropriate to change your thinking, and she shares it with everyone. So she's going to be great on Thursday morning. And then Georgia Heard is Friday morning. She's known a lot for her writing and her poetry. So, she'll be, you know, I don't know if you remember Heart Maps, but that came from Georgia Heard. So she'll be talking about engaging students with their heart in writing. So then we have Angela as the Thursday evening speaker. And I'm drawing a blank. Oh, Julia Torres will be Friday evening speaker. She's a librarian from Denver Public Schools; brings a great lens of diversity and teaching through texts that disrupt our normal thinking. So let's stop using The Grapes of Wrath and use some more current novel studies that will talk to the experience of people in the past 15-20 years instead of 40, 50, 60 years. And let's get rid of all those off and not get rid of them. That's quality work. But a lot of that work that I studied when I was a teenager was written by 40 year old men in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I can't really make those connections to those people in my life. So disrupting our thinking about texts that we share, and then luncheon speakers, we have Gordon Korman, who is amazing. He's a gifted writer. He's on, I think he's surpassed his hundredth book, or it's in publication.00:12:49 Molly RauhHe's about to. Yeah. So yeah, we got to interview him. So if you haven't listened to that podcast episode, jump back, hear a little about his upcoming books and his recent books.00:13:02 Pam MinardYeah, yeah, he will be very entertaining.00:13:05 Molly RauhHe's an fun and interesting guy.00:13:10 Pam MinardMhmm. We have a decline that's been doing some staff development in the Denver area. So really speaking to literacy and getting, really working within the schools. So if you are having her as you staff developer, it would be really cool to come to her luncheon and experience her in a different venue. And then Gary Brooks is coming back our friend from the south. He's sure to be an absolute, hilarious luncheon speaker. And then on Saturday, we have Colby Sharp along with John Schu, "Mr. Schu Reads", and Rhonda Jenkins, a librarian in Illinois. So they're banding together to speak to if you build that bookshelf, they will read those books. So, access to great books for all students in your classrooms.00:14:05 Jessica RickertAnd I know that there are some people out there right now that are thinking I can't come to the CCIRA conference, because I just can't get a sub, like there's just - we understand the sub shortage. So what a great opportunity to come for three hours on Saturday, we have a one-day only option. And those people are amazing. We interviewed Colby on the podcast. I had never heard him. And he was so awesome. Just, just again, a down to earth person, you know, people have seen Mr. Schu. So I think that the combination of those three people is going to be a great boost if you just need a little bit of PD and just take 3 hours on your Saturday for yourself to come and see them. 00:14:48 Molly RauhYeah. And I think, you know, it's important to note that like Colby is still in the classroom. So you get somebody who's got that like day-to-day there. He's living what we're living. And John Schu bring so much energy. So if you're tired and you need, you know, kind of juiced up, and you know something to get you through the rest of the school year, man, there's no one better to kind of absorb some energy from like, last time I saw him, he's literally running around the room, handing out books. And he's like, I need to get a book, and you like, he just has great energy. And so I know we all kind of face some teacher tired. And for me, this conference is just to get energized and get excited about bringing things back to my classroom. So yeah, even if you can't get a sub go for that Saturday to get some energy from some amazingly energetic and awesome educators and librarians. And you know, just great stuff.00:15:46 Pam MinardYeah, I can't. And this podcast without mentioning to incredible authors. That's a good thing. You didn't hold me to one, because it's not going to happen. But Avi, who's been around forever, has won many Newberry Awards, a lot of other awards for his writing. He's a local to Colorado. He lives in Steamboat and is so excited to come and speak during two sessions and sign books. You might be familiar with this book Papi. He's got a lot of just incredible great series, and now he's taking those books and turning them into graphic novels. So he's moving over to the, to the genre that our students are showing that they're really enjoying these days. And then the other is Alan Gratz. Oh my gosh, if you have not read Refugee yet, I would highly recommend it. I was just telling the person I was driving home from work about it. I had to send her a link to get the book on Amazon. She's actually a teacher from Spain and said, oh, I want to read it, but it has to be in Spanish for me to truly understand it. And sure enough, it's been translated. So since Refugee, though, he has authored another book that came out in 2021, that he was so excited to come to the conference and share about 9/11. And then he's still written another book, and it's about it's another refugee story. I can't remember the title. It's something like out from the darkness about, you know, not hiding anymore, because you're an immigrant. So just amazing stories. Refugee takes like four vignettes, and you hear a little bit about each story. And then at the end, they start getting woven together. It was amazing. 00:17:34 Speaker 1And it's like a middle school book, but it was incredible to read. And I gave it enough of a book talk in our 15-minute drive home that third grade teacher that I teach with just has to have it to read it. So so those two, I would highly recommend. And, you know, just everybody that's coming is such great quality. Pernille Ripp is, her sessions are filling up really fast. Yeah, that Cris Tovani another local that's coming. And Beth Skelton, if you've been in her ELL workshops. Oh my gosh. And if you haven't, and you need strategies for teaching vocabulary to your ELL students, she's the person to go to. So, yeah, I could just go on and on.00:18:16 Speaker 1And Beth is definitely a font of knowledge. That's another one if you're looking for a little preview. If you're a little hesitant to sign up for the conference, we have a podcast from her too. And like we get so much information from her. So just imagine, you know how much more you could get if you get to see her and like, be there for her presentation versus, you know, just a little snippets you get on our podcast. So yeah, great speakers so excited for them. And this I know this isn't as much your side of conference planning Pam. So Jess, if you want to pop in and share some things, there's lots of other opportunities at the conference as well. So there's presenters and speakers, but there's other little places to network. So, like last our last recording, we talked about the Early Career Network. So what are some other things that maybe are going on as part of the conference that people who haven't been there might need to be aware of? Or, you know, take opportunities to take advantage of?00:19:23 Jessica RickertI would say the exhibit hall is going to be different this year, and it's not just going to be in one big room, but it's going to be lining the hallways in the Westin. And if anybody has not been in the Westin Hotel it, it looks like a mountain lodge like it's so cool. So you feel like a little bit of a retreat anyway. And then we're also doing something different with, we're not having one big bookstore. We're going to have some smaller book stores. And so those will be throughout the exhibit hall. So, you can kind of connect with different vendors. And there's people selling like scarfs and reading programs and books and all different kinds of things. So that's kind of cool. Entertainment-wise, actually, this hotel is awesome because it's right next to a skating rink. And so if you want to do just like a team bonding event, you can go ice skating, and there's just ice skating sessions there. There's also a really nice nice restaurant and a bunch of restaurants around there. There's a Dave & Buster's. So this is more not the academic, but the fun, which I think is a I think is a big part of the conference is it's a time to go and learn, but also reconnect with either people you do work with or other people you don't work with so that social piece that it's important too. So lots of things within walking distance of the hotel, which are, which is awesome.00:20:53 Pam MinardYeah. And one other opportunity for some entertainment Stan Yan will be back drawing caricatures of teachers. So free of charge, I think he does put out a tip, jar, but it's kind of fun to see what you look like in character. 00:21:10 Molly RauhYes. And it, yeah, if you haven't gone, he does that. He's done that the last couple conferences, right? And yeah, his, even, even if you don't go get yourself done, because you're nervous like, go watch, he's awesome. Give him a tip because he works hard and he, you know, he does that just because he's a really awesome guy. So I love that you guys mentioned some of the features of the new location. So if you didn't quite catch on to that, the Westin is a new location for us. So trying something new, but we think it's going to be exciting to kind of get out of the, you know, like, I guess I'll call it the Deep City and, you know, get to a place where there's some views where we have a little bit better access to restaurants and things so that people can really maybe make a mini vacation out of it too, you know, again, going back to that theme of we're all a little tired. And this is a great way to get rejuvenated. I think some people say, oh, my gosh, it's a professional conference, like I just don't have the energy for that. I don't want to do that right now. But oh, man, like, make a vacation of it. Go have fun with some teachers. Go learn some things, go get excited, network with some people, make some new friends, invite them to dinner with you. You know, whatever fills your bucket like it's a it's a good time to be had by a whole lot of teachers.00:22:34 Pam MinardAnother great thing about this venue is no more buses, no offsite parking. The Westin has a ton of parking right around the hotel, and then their offsite parking is within walking distance of the hotel. So depending on the weather, you might have to wear your boots, but you won't have to be waiting for a bus and dealing with the bus situation. So we're really excited to to have that.00:23:04 Molly RauhYeah. So come join us for our inaugural Westin year to enjoy all our nice new perks.00:23:11 Jessica RickertAnd registration is still open. It'll still be open through January. But what a great opportunity we have a break coming up, and it doesn't take a lot of time to register. You can go to CCIRA.org to look through the sessions that are available. And we have had many people on this podcast. If you want to check them out, they give little teasers or see what they're about before you register. That would be a great way to spend some of your winter break after your relaxing. And we just hope that everybody signs up. We can, if six teachers from a school come then a principal comes for free. So we are just excited to have this in person conference and gather back together and generate some excitement within the the teaching field again. So any last words, Pam or Molly.00:24:11 Molly RauhDo you have the specific date for when registration closes? So people know, you know, for so are procrastinators know when they're out of luck for, you know, off site registration, pre-registration.00:24:25 Jessica RickertIt will probably be around January 30th, 31st. So we don't have an official one, but just plan on the 31st being the close date.00:24:35 Pam MinardYeah. And we do offer on-site registration. It's just a little bit more expensive than pre-registration. So but we won't turn you away. 00:24:51 Molly RauhYeah. So for the real procrastinators, just show up. Yeah. So any last thoughts Pam. Any other things you're excited about to mention?00:25:02 Pam MinardNo, I'm just excited that it's happening. I mean it's been a journey for sure. And we are 100% having an in-person conference. The presenters and speakers, speakers and authors that I've spoken to are so excited to be in person. They don't care if they have to wear a mask. They don't. You know, they feel comfortable. They've all had their vaccinations and their boosters and they're ready to share their knowledge again in person with teachers. They have truly missed these experiences.00:25:36 Jessica RickertWell, we hope to see you all at the 2022 CCIRA conference. Thanks for joining us. Pam.00:25:44 Pam MinardMy pleasure. Can't wait to see you in 2022.00:25:50 Molly RauhThanks for listening to CCIRA literacy conversations podcast to find out more about CCIRA go to CCIRA.org. On CCIRA.org, you can join as a member, or find great resources like our professional development blog, which posts every Tuesday and has a variety of guest writers on an awesome selection of topics CCCIRA is a professional organization of Educators and community members dedicated to the promotion and advancement of literacy. We also have a Twitter account @ColoradoReading. You can find us on Instagram @CCIRA_ColoradReading. Or you can find us on Facebook, where we also have a members only group that we're trying to build. And our Facebook account is CCIRA Colorado Reading. We'd love to hear more from you. And again, if you're looking for new content, please send any questions or things you'd be interested in seeing from CCIRA to CCIRAVideo@gmail.com. Thanks for listening and have a great week.
In this episode, Colby and Travis look ahead to the new year in children's books.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book Read the World: Rethinking Literacy for Empathy and Action in a Digital Age by Kristin Ziemke and Katie Muhtaris
This week's conversation is such a treat! I am thrilled that you get to meet fifth-grade teacher and author of Game Changer: Book Access for All— Colby Sharp. He shares his love of using picture books in his class and how he manages his literacy lessons throughout the day with a focus on independent reading. We have some honest conversations about reading “ups and downs” and Colby shares some great insights about inspiring reading in classrooms and keeping book collections relevant to students. I especially appreciated the questions he asked me, as well. Our mutual love for books shines through as there are many, many book recommendations linked below with Amazing affiliate links for purchase. Be sure to follow Colby Sharp on all social media platforms and check out his weekly YouTube Kid Lit Book Mail— you won't regret it! Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids How to Train your Dad Northwind The One and Only Ivan Front Desk The Year We Learned to Fly The Sweetest Scoop: Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Revolution Author recommendations: Jon Klassen Jacqueline Woodson Deborah Freedman Open The Magic, Courtney Hinshaw -------Come hang out!-------- @ramonarecommends {instagram} Magic Wear Shop Ramonarecommends.com
There is a magical age, somewhere between eight and twelve, where young people's wonder at the natural world can be galvanized into meaningful engagement with the threats and challenges that humans bring to bear on nature. It is within this window that the right book at the right time can help a young person make sense of the big feelings that come with adolescence — and with unforeseen hardships, like global pandemics. In this episode, with the help of Sara Pennypacker, author of Pax and Pax, Journey Home, Colby Sharp, literacy advocate and teacher, and Philippe Cousteau, co-author of The Endangereds series, we discuss the serious, real-life challenges that young readers face and how animal characters in books can help them identify and express their feelings of grief, loss, and trauma. To learn more about Sara Pennypacker's or Philippe Cousteau's books, visit harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/sara-pennypacker harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/philippe-cousteau Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. [2:33] The reaction Sara received from a group of fourth-graders after reading a chapter of Pax, led her to make changes to the original text. [4:24] Sara prefers to write about how wounded children attempt to carry on and heal their wounds after trauma. [5:18] A scene in the book, when Peter decides not to return to the therapist, spurs Colby to consider the state of his children post-pandemic. [8:56] Sara describes why Pax is purposefully written to exclude a distinct time or place. [12:07] After interviewing several animals, for Sara, there was no question the character Pax would be a fox. [14:37] Philippe Cousteau describes his book series, The Endangereds and how learning from animals helps children identify with the major environmental crisis we face. [18:17] How writers can introduce young readers to serious, real-world issues. [20:02] Pax's ending left readers with the opportunity to envision their version of what happens to the characters but as questions emerged Sara decided to write the sequel Pax, Journey Home. [29:09] Colby's non-fiction, Gamechanger, addresses the need to get books in the hands and minds of children. Continue Your Journey: Sara Pennypacker Mr. Colby Sharp Philippe Cousteau HarperCollins Remember Reading Podcast @ReadingPod on Twitter Shareables: “There's nothing like a read-aloud on this planet, sharing a book with a bunch of kids in the classroom and having those conversations. And, I believe that kids in my class will remember our reading aloud of Pax for the rest of their life.” — Colby Sharp, literacy advocate and author “'I'm not the writer who writes about the damage happening to kids. As a writer, I'm more interested in what they do afterward. So, I want to be really respectful of kids who have been wounded or have had losses in this way.” — Sara Pennypacker, author, Pax “Passion and excitement and adventure need to be part of any good story. Those are kinds of universal rhetorical truths about storytelling that I drew from when working on The Endangereds. How could we tell stories that could make kids excited, but then also try to give them a little bit of agency?” — Philippe Cousteau, co-author of The Endangereds: Melting Point
Colby Sharp, host of The Yarn Podcast, co-author of Game Changer, editor of The Creativity Project, and co-founder of The Nerdy Book club shares a bit about his recent projects and how to curate a great classroom library.*More show notes to come.Have questions or comments? Please email cciravideo@gmail.com.
Colby is a father of 5 and a 5th grade teacher in Parma, Michigan. You can find him on Twitter @colbysharp.
Colby is my husband, a father of 5 kids, and a 5th grade teacher in Parma, MI. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram @colbysharp. Make sure to check out his website at www.mrcolbysharp.com.
Whether your family is doing e-learning, homeschooling, unschooling, striking, or hiding out in a bunker to avoid the latest natural disaster, you need The Creativity Project book to fill your time and sparkle your creativity. If you’re not sure if this book is for you, listen as the mamas give the hard sell (no, there’s no money in it for them although they’ll take your money if you’re offering) for literary advocate Colby Sharp and his unique prompt-response anthology along with tips to keep your kids learning, growing and creating. The Creativity Project, edited by Colby SharpThis collection of prompts and responses from dozens of well-known children’s authors is the brainchild of teacher and literary advocate Colby Sharp (5 Questions with Mr. Sharp), who invited some of the best storytellers in Kidlit to share a prompt. Then the artists swapped prompts and let their imaginations run wild. The results appear in The Creativity Project book in the form of stories, drawings, poems, and comics. A section titled Prompts for You, is a call to action at the end that encourages readers to create their own awesome works of art. The Mamas couldn’t call out every contributor in the book, but they did discuss the works of these authors and illustrators: Sherman Alexi, Kate Messner, R.J. Palacio, Dav Pilkey, Minh Le, Victoria Jamieson, Lemony Snicket, Jennifer L. Holm, Chris Grabenstein, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Adam Gidwitz, Sophie Blackall, Kate DiCamillo, and Kat Yeh. Pick 6: The mamas’ tips for sparking creativity at home or school1. Poetry Friday Anthology2. Scholastic Story Starter Scrambler3. Story Prompts from Think Written and Squibler4. Painting with ice5. Ice Play6. Airport Stories Episode Reference Links:Tomie’s Little Book of Poems by Tomie dePaolaWhere the Sidewalk EndsHank Zipzer by Henry Winkler
Colby Sharp is a 5th grade teacher in Parma, Michigan. He can be found @colbysharp on Instagram and Twitter.
Hatchet meets Long Way Down in this heartfelt and gripping novel in verse about a young girl’s struggle for survival after a climbing trip with her father goes terribly wrong. ★ "Elements of the survival story and psychological thriller combine with strong symbolism to weave a winding, focused, stunning narrative.... An edge-of-your-seat read." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review “If you’re looking for a great book to add to your to read list, look no further.” —Colby Sharp, author of The Creativity Project and co-founder of The Nerdy Book Club Learn more: https://bit.ly/3dICOAm
In this episode, host Colby Sharp talks with Donalyn Miller (The Book Whisperer) about a topic close to both of their hearts - book access for kids.This episode is sponsored by Heinemann and their professional book A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO READING CONFERENCES by Jennifer Serravallo
In this episode, we're discussing some books we can't wait to read in 2020, including Brigid Kemmerer’s A Heart So Fierce and Broken, Bianca Marais’s Hum If You Don’t Know the Words, and Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years. We also talk about Sarah J. Maas's works and end our episode talking about some of our favorite places to eat. Ashley’s Picks Brigid Kemmerer’s A Heart So Fierce and Broken - January 7, 2020 Adib Khorram’s Darius the Great Is Not Okay Valeria Luiselli’s Lost Children Archive *Listen to Jen’s comments about this one on our “All About the Journey” episode Jen's Picks Bianca Marais’s Hum If You Don’t Know the Words Sarah J. Maas’s House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City series) - March 3, 2020 Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed’s When Stars Are Scattered - April 14, 2020 *Colby Sharp's tweet Sara’s Picks Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years - March 3, 2020 Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous Cara Wall’s The Dearly Beloved Other Mentions Rebecca Serle’s The Dinner List Victoria Jamieson’s Roller Girl Sarah J. Maas’s Court of Thorns and Roses (book 1 in series) and Throne of Glass (book 1 in series) Give Me One - Our Favorite Type of Food Taste of Thai in Harrisonburg Taj of India in Harrisonburg Corgan’s Publick House of Harrisonburg Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? Check out our Merch Store! Become a patron on Patreon. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram. Like and follow our Facebook Page. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Twitter. Subscribe to our podcast and rate us on iTunes or on Stitcher. Check us out on Podbean.
Karina and Matthew talk about the Youth Media Awards, educators doing mock book awards with their students, and we look back on some of our favorite Kidlit These Days episodes of the year. Joining is special guest Colby Sharp, 5th grade teacher, co-host of The Yarn podcast, editor of The Creativity Project, An Awesometastic Story Collection, and the co-author with Donalyn Miller of Game Changer: Book Access for All Kids. This episode is sponsored by Book Riot's Read Harder Journal and by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. To get even more kidlit news and recommendations, sign up for our The Kids Are All Right newsletter! RELEVANT LINKS: The Youth Media Awards HarperCollins Children’s Books Launches Heartdrum, A New Native-Focused Imprint Episode 13: An Indigenous Peoples' History Episode 1: The Wall in the Middle of This Podcast Matthew's Mock Coretta Scott King Award with Students in Grades K-5 Colby Sharp BOOKS DISCUSSED ON THE SHOW: Drawn Together by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat (2019 Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Picture Book winner) Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina (2019 Newbery Medal winner) Dr. Debbie Reese (2019 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award) Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender/Kacen Callender (2019 Stonewall Book Award winner) Dreamers by Yuyi Morales (2019 Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner) Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal (2019 Caldecott honor) Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan by Ashley Bryan (2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator honor & 2017 Newbery honor) The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros; illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte (2019 Schneider Family Book Award Young Children's Book honor) The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill (2017 Newbery award winner) Jerome By Heart by Thomas Scotto, illustrated by Olivier Tallec and translated from the French by Claudia ZoeBedrick and Karin Snelson (2019 Mildred L. Batchelder Award honor) Let us know what books or topics you've been sharing this week, or if you have a suggestion or book recommendation for an upcoming episode. Find us on email (kidlitthesedays@bookriot.com), Twitter (@KarinaYanGlaser and @MatthewWinner), or Instagram (@KarinaIsReadingAndWriting and @MatthewCWinner).
Thanks so much for being a part of this community. If you’d like to ask a question and have it answered LIVE just tune into my YouTube channel, Real Rap with Reynolds, on Sunday night at 5pm eastern time and I’d be happy to answer anything you are wondering about. Below you can find links to all the different ways we can connect. Peace. -Reynolds _________________________________________________________ Follow us on: Mail stuff to P.O. Box 11 Gloucester City, NJ 08030 USA Website: www.realrapwithreynolds.com iTunes: Real Rap With Reynolds Instagram: real rap with the reynolds https://www.instagram.com/realrapwithreynolds/?hl=en Facebook: Real Rap With The Reynolds https://www.facebook.com/realrapwithreynolds/ Facebook Group: “Real Rap With Reynolds Teacher Talk" Twitter: @realrapreynolds https://twitter.com/realrapreynolds Snapchat: realrapreynolds Soundcloud: Real Rap with the Reynolds https://soundcloud.com/real-rap-with-the-reynolds Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/realrapwithreynolds/pins/ Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/realrapwithreynolds ____________________________________________________________ For business inquiries or questions email: realrapwiththereynolds@gmail.com ____________________________________________________________ Music Kia Orion itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/orion-radio/id1303207770?mt=2 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cj-reynolds5/message
It's early November here in Northern Michigan but it already feels like mid December, possibly February, and we're trying to avoid early onset cabin fever, so we look to Danelle and Stephie to provide some much needed "Ed-Tech Inspiration," to get through the bleak early winter.Show Transcript:Danelle Brostrom 0:00 Obviously it's smarter than I am.Larry Burden 0:08 Where's this come fromDanelle Brostrom 0:08 because you have to edit out all the stupid things that we say,Stephie Luyt 0:11 Now the pressures on.Larry Burden 0:13 gotta delete thatStephie Luyt 0:14 You're like Botox.Larry Burden 0:21 It's Episode 96 of the EdTech Loop podcast. My name is Larry Burden and she drank a bit too much of the apocalyptic Kool Aid after binging 16 straight hours of Black Mirror its Danelle Brostrom. And here to reel our Ed tech hero back from the dark side, it's Stephie Luyt. To coax Danelle back from the edge, this week's moment of zen trends hopeful.Moment of Zen 0:44 I hope that in this year to come you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world, you're doing things you've never done before. And more importantly, you're doing something.Larry Burden 1:06 After checking the unseasonably cold hourly forecast our decision was made to stay in, and partake in this week's meat of the show: Ed Tech Inspiration. It's Northern Michigan here, it's early November, it already feels like mid December, possibly February, and we're trying to not get into that early kind of hunker down mood. So we needed to find a little inspiration today. It was a great idea that Danelle had yesterday, as far as coming up with a topic for this podcast. So we all have lists, let's just jump right into this.Danelle Brostrom 1:43 I can start. My first favorite thing that I love right now, Common Sense Media had an amazing blog post on ISTE. It was written by Liz Cline who's their VP of Education Programs, and her idea is to, "Pause for People." We talk a lot about digital lives and how to find balance with your media and real life, and I think this idea of pausing for people is beautiful, and it's simple, and it's a great thing to keep in mind. So when you're in real life and someone is talking to you, pause what you're doing and privilege that human standing in front of you over what's on your screen.And she says this, "I'm no tech hater. I strongly believe that technology does help connect us with people in meaningful ways, and it should be used for powerful learning in the classroom. But even with all that potential the face to face interactions that you could be having. You should be having, starting now."I love that idea of pausing for people, and I'm really trying to do that when I'm in meetings when I'm, when somebody comes in and interupts me at my desk either turning around for my screen or closing my screen and just pausing for people. It's a great thing to talk about with kids in the classroom to.Stephie Luyt 2:45 That's a beautiful way to say that whole idea of a balance between how we use tech and how we, how we function IRL. It's a really good way to think about it. There's nothing more valuable than pausing for someone, and having that conversation.Larry Burden 3:02 I love that you're making an active step to do that. Sometimes we want to do that but we still have our device up, or we have our device open and it's amazing how our eyes just naturally fall back down into it. David Noller, the TechNollerGist, mentioned that when he's using devices in his class they're open, as soon as they're not being used, he tells them, close the device, close the lid. It's easy to get distracted by the device. So we need to be probably very, very deliberate in what we do to make sure that we are pausing for people.Danelle Brostrom 3:36 And tell people around you that this is something that you're trying to do too because I want you to check me on it. If we're in a meeting together and you see me not pausing, remind me of that. My kids have been checking me on it. My four year old will say, and I've got her saying this, I told her what to say so it's really funny when she says it, but she'll say, "daddy, what's more important right now me or your phone?" and he's like, okay, that is a kick in the teeth, I'm putting this phone down. You are more important to me always. But I think that's a good, you know, pausing for people, we need to make sure we're doing that.Stephie Luyt 4:05 I also feel like in meetings and in just events in general I feel like people are trying to be more mindful about that. I feel like there was a time where it was, hey great look at how busy you are, I'm going to check these four different things, and I'm going to have this open, and I'm going to be looking at this device, and, and that was almost a good thing. But I feel like that pendulum has swung a little bit and we're seeing more, I'm seeing more active examples in adults of trying to model that balance because we can't multitask in the way that we think we can. I 100% can't, and I think the research proves most people can't.Larry Burden 4:39 I can almost guarantee you guys do it when you go into a meeting. I take a look at the table and see how many people have their phone on the table. And over the past year I've noticed, less.Stephie Luyt 4:51 I agree.Larry Burden 4:52 Whereas so that trend that you're talking about, I think is taking hold. I think people are recognizing that the multitasking skill, isn't really a skill.Danelle Brostrom 5:01 I agree, it makes my heart happy.Stephie Luyt 5:03 My first favorite thing is, is pretty nerdy, but I've been doing a lot of looking into evidence based practice in libraries which comes out of the healthcare fieldLarry Burden 5:13 I'm not going next.Danelle Brostrom 5:14 I like this one already.Stephie Luyt 5:15 The part I wanted to highlight is you can collect subjective data, as well as objective data. And the piece in subjective data that is meaningful to me is really that idea of a narrative and the storytelling. It's falls under the "anec-data." So anecdotal data. And it's telling the story about the connections. It can be about anything, but the something I'm thinking about is the number of our schools are focused heavily on relationship building and connections. And they are always doing that but for some it's like the top focus this year. And just trying to quantify for lack of a better word, how some of those connections get made with individual students or staff members in the library, and how valuable that is for way down the road, even. I just read a report last night, it was from NPR, and it was some research that had been done that, if a student even has one positive connection with an adult, it can help buffer them against, really some of the things that come up on like the ACES Survey, our those childhood trauma experiences. And like, those meaningful connections, and even what seems like a small interaction reaps benefits down the road. And so my point here is just saying that having anec-data to show those connections, it's very valuable. Like, that is time well spent. And it's kind of the same idea that Danelle is talking about in terms of making connections. Like, those, those connections are meaningful, and they can be very powerful for our kiddos. So, anec-data is my one of my favorite things.Larry Burden 6:53 At the start of last year, our opening PD for the school year. We focused on something called the ISSN, the Intense Student Support Network. And I don't know if this happened over at Central High School, but I know at West Senior High, all the people that attended that PD wrote down something that they were going to do for students, be mindful of doing for students that year. And we ended up having, documenting the full list of things. And as far as something that would create a positive environment and would be what, what, what's the term again?Stephie Luyt 7:25 anec-dataLarry Burden 7:26 Anec-data, that was, you know, I look at it because it was a spreadsheet of anec-data, and it was, it was very inspiring. We actually made a video out of it with the running, the running comments. "I want to make a kid, one students smile today," I'm going to say hi to a student everyday," "I'm going to try to imagine, trying to focus on their needs over mine." And we just it was all, just so many great comments from our educators, and it was nice that they had a moment to reflect. Because sometimes it's hard to reflect on that anec-data and recognize how important it is because you're wrapped up in so many other things. It's nice that, that became a focus.Danelle Brostrom 8:03 Everything we should be doing. Kids, if they don't have that they can't learn. And that, those are the kinds of things we, we need to be doing every day.Larry Burden 8:10 I'm not nearly as cool as that.Danelle Brostrom 8:12 What'cha got Larry.Larry Burden 8:14 The thing that I'm inspired about or that's inspiring me is the continued focus on STEAM and STEAM education. I love the A. I so love of the A. You know, we're all familiar with, with STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math. Throw the arts in there. Some of the comments that I ran across were, "It removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry and innovation." The four C's, the 21st century skills, are all based, kind of in that artistic mindset, the creative mindset, collaboration creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Art is the tool to get those things done. So it's kind of like that connective tissue. It's like if STEM is the muscles and the, the skeletal structure. The A is the tendon, it's the ligament. It's all connecting it together, and I think that that's always been kind of a separate thing. You know, we always look at it any of our schools, especially high schools, the Arts Wing, it's kind of over there, it's those kids, you know, the artsy kids. And later on in life, when we're in business, or in any other field, we always go for it we really wish we had that creative person to kind of, not only bring some visual flair, but the viewpoint, the value of the viewpoint of, of a Creative, to look at a problem, and do that problem solving, from an outside perspective, I think is really what the A, brings to STEM is that, that creative problem solving.Stephie Luyt 9:46 The jobs, and the challenges, and the fields that aren't even created yet, like, the creative problem solvers of the world are going to be able to make the future happen. That is so, such a valuable perspective.Larry Burden 9:59 Next,Danelle Brostrom 9:59 Next, the next thing that I am super inspired by are the Michigan Social Studies Standards.Stephie Luyt 10:05 Interesting.Danelle Brostrom 10:06 I know, right. You would never thought that one would have been on my list. No, they just were approved in January 2019 and it was after.Larry Burden 10:13 You just had a meeting on this.Danelle Brostrom 10:13 I did that's why it's kind of in my, in the forefront of my brain right now. They were approved after this big five year discussion and it became political as these things often do, but the final draft is the part that I love. It has this heavy focus on inquiry, and the entire first few pages of the Standards introduction talks all about how social studies should be taught. And how different it is from how we used to teach it. So it's heavy into inquiry and that should be the primary form of instruction for social studies. And that students and then they put, and teachers, kind of in parentheses, like as a second thought, like, oh yeah teachers should help too. But mostly the students should be crafting these investigative questions that matter. That teachers should provide and help students develop tangible opportunities to take informed action. And I just love this focus on inquiry. If we do true inquiry, then I think we can come, we can knock out like 95% of those ISTE Standards that we work so hard on.Stephie Luyt 11:07 And ASL.Danelle Brostrom 11:08 Right? It's, it's beautiful. I think Trevor Mackenzie's work on incredible become important as we unpack with the shift and kind of how, how this changes our teaching. He wrote a series of books, one is called, "Dive Into Inquiry," that I'm in the middle of right now. But he has another book called, "Inquiry Mindset," that's more K-7 focused. This one is more K-12 focused. But even just looking at his companion website, there are a ton of resources that, how to take students from, here's what inquiry is, which is wouldn't be very structured into this like free inquiry work students are actually solving problems that they care about. And I just, I love that scaffolding, and there's, there's even a section that I was thinking about he calls, "Teacher Librarians Your Inquiry Superhero." That they're the ones who are really helping you understand and empower within this learning idea. It's just, it's beautiful. I'm excited to see how inquiry into the social studies standards really changes the way we teach and how it starts to excite kids. This is a topic I'm passionate about, social studies instruction, and I'm excited to see how we can make kids passionate about this too.Stephie Luyt 12:15 And let them follow what they're curious about reminds me a little bit of Genius Hour. It's that same following the, the area that you're passionate about, and, and seeing kids in that world, it's pretty empowering.Larry Burden 12:29 The fact that this is actually in the standard is great. I think we have educators that do this, that focus on this. Our superintendent was just in, was mentioning in a board meeting recently that he was in a classroom where he was observing a teacher do exactly this. I think she's been doing it for years. The fact that it's a standard shows was me, or tells me that we're recognizing that we are we are no longer the gatekeepers of knowledge, and that our job really is to spark curiosity and inquiry. And the fact that it's a fundamental shift now it's not just something we're talking about it's actually embedded in the standards. We're not talking about content. We're talking about,Danelle Brostrom 13:13 ProcessLarry Burden 13:14 Process. That is a foundational shift in how we're educating and how we're expected to be educating.Danelle Brostrom 13:21 It's amazing to see that in our standard.Larry Burden 13:23 Two years ago we were frustrated that we had been talking about this. And it wasn't happening fast enough, and now...Danelle Brostrom 13:30 It's there, and I would definitely encourage people to go to Trevor Mackenzie's website because there are a lot of resources on how to start inquiry. One of the things that he shares, and it's kind of fantastic. He took the UN Sustainable Development Goals and made this, I guess it's a slideshow, and each of the squares are interactive. So you click on the one that talks about poverty, or you click on the one that talks about access to clean water, and it shows you this little kid friendly video that would be a great starter for inquiry into that topic. Response, it's real world, it's inquiry, it's going to be great for kids and teachers.Stephie Luyt 14:06 My next thing is everything over at TADL. I spent yesterday there. Thanks to TADL for hosting our PD. We had our K-12 library staff there for the morning and they were gracious enough to provide the meeting space. And just being reminded again, I spend a lot of time at TADL, but we have such a gem there of resources, as well as a community space. And the number of innovative programs and opportunities to our, for our community. Every time I'm there there's something else that I think, oh my gosh they're doing this. You know you can borrow a theremin, if you want to do that.Larry Burden 14:44 Because why wouldn't you.Stephie Luyt 14:44 It's not everyday, right? Besides the theremin lots of other gear for any kind of audio visual project that you might have. You know, it's just a beautiful community space, and I actually looped back over to the library at the end of the day, my son had robotics, so I started the day there early and then was there at the end of the day and saw some of the same teens that had been there all day, taking part in all of what's there for teens, you know. And I thought what a great space, you know, being there, so much yesterday, just saw kind of the, the evolution of the day. And like, how people are using this. It's just, it's just awesome, and I just wanted to thank them for the experience being there, but also just say that's one of my favorite things currently.Danelle Brostrom 15:25 I would agree with you totally. Yesterday I was there as well picking up some MELCAT resources that I had ordered online and shipped right to my local library. And I walked in andLarry Burden 15:35 Shout out to MELCAT.Danelle Brostrom 15:36 I know, right? My kid was there and she was looking for some things. And that, that idea of connections with people, they are just so wonderful about talking to a child at their level, finding out what they're interested in, helping them find books. We're first taken the the card catalogs, they can look it up. And then helping them find that book on the shelf. And then, offering this additional series that they might be interested in. Like, they know their stuff, and they know how to get kids excited by reading.Stephie Luyt 16:02 Absolutely. They're a great partner. One thing that I noticed yesterday that then looped around today, I, there's a sign in the, in the teen section and it lists all the dewey numbers for topics that you might not want to ask about. So, just think of a topic that as a kiddo you might be nervous to ask about, you know? And then as I was driving here today there was a story on the news about a person who was, you know what, growing up had some, some things that they were figuring out and spending a lot of time in the library and trying to learn about some of these issues but not wanting to ask questions, and so kind of fumbling their way through how to find the right materials. And I thought what a great thing that they're posting some information like, you might not want to ask but here's some places to start your inquiry.Larry Burden 16:48 Is ours a diamond in the rough?Danelle Brostrom 16:50 We are really fortunate for all we have in our library for the size of our community. We have just a really innovative, forward thinking staff over there. I mean, there are a lot of fantastic libraries, but I think we're just, we're extra fortunate and what we have in the size of our town.Larry Burden 17:08 I was going to kind of jump off my STEAM conversation and actually go into one of the ISTE Standards. I really liked the Design Thinking Standard. So, students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions. Kind of piggybacking off of what I was saying before. It's somewhat similar, but again it's taking a lot, maybe oftentimes several problems and looking at them as a whole, and then getting our students to, instead of focusing on the small point also look at the bigger picture and teaching some of those design skills and recognizing the usefulness of those design skills and design thinking is, is very important. You know, Stephie, you had commented on maybe not liking the word standard. But really, maybe instead of standard, maybe a different word would be design. Because really that's what it is. They're taking the social studies curriculum, or the social studies standards and they're actually looking at social studies design, and how best can we create a system that will educate our students in the social studies field, most efficiently and most productively. It's a standard, yes, but really it's a design, and I think that's really something that is exciting that you see that pop up, obviously in the ISTE standards as something that's really important. Moving it along.Danelle Brostrom 18:34 I only have one more thing and it's eSports. Wow, last week's pod was amazing. Um, I'm reading, "The New Childhood, Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World," by Jordan Shapiro. I don't agree with everything in the book but he does lay out a lot of things that kids can learn through gaming. It's super interesting, reminds me a lot of the Jane McGonigal book, the "Reality is Broken." She talked about why gaming makes us better. And I think I really got that sense last week talking to the guys. That the things that they're doing with eSports, and the MiHSEF is so much more than just having kids on video games. It's all of these essential skills that they're learning through video gaming, and it was so cool. So that's another thing that I love.Larry Burden 19:16 One of the neat things about eSports is the fact that you can get all these kids together in a community. It's an online community, but it's a constructive, controlled online community. One of the things that a lot of parents, including myself, would have wished for, for my kids is neighborhood time. Where they can go outside, and explore, and play and find their friends and do whatever. It's this, "come back at five," that doesn't exist. It just does not exist because oftentimes schedules. They're here, they're there, a lot of our houses are far enough apart where the distance isn't really workable. Online is actually a place where that can happen, where you can get groups of kids together in a constructive, fun place. When we were out playing in the yard, in somebody's yard, it's not like we were being constructive. I mean we were because we're learning so many of those skills that would be learned through eSports. Similar, similar topics, similar skill sets, similar mindset. It's just the playing field has changed from the yard, which we can't, we can't seem to recreate anymore, to an online yard, which is available.Danelle Brostrom 20:33 Did you read the Jordan Shapiro book?Larry Burden 20:35 I did not.Danelle Brostrom 20:35 That is exactly what he talks about. He goes through things like, that kids would have normally learned in the sandbox, and this is what they learned in the online sandbox, and it's the same thing. It's just in this online community versus this face to face community. And yes, you need balance, but they're also learning these things online. You need to read it, it's exactly what you're talking about.Larry Burden 20:52 We've talked about this before, we're not leaving our students, or our kids at the playground and walking away. The eSports environment, creates a controlled environment. So suddenly that sandbox is being monitored. Instead of, we're just throwing them out there and, you know, who knows what's happening. There's adult moderation in that environment, which I think is really important.Stephie Luyt 21:16 And adult modeling even like, yeah,Larry Burden 21:19 We hope.Stephie Luyt 21:19 Yeah. My next one is specific to this time of year but the, the Youth Media Awards. So the Children's Literature Awards will be announced in January, and so this time of year is such fun because there's such a buzz about what books might it be, and lists coming out, and people making predictions. And what happens for me as the immense addition to my reading list that I got this time of year, because it's like, oh, this one, this one, this one, this one, oh yes okay. So I just love the, the discussions happening around books and the, the buzz around books, and the excitement, and the discussions that are happening. And I'm headed to a conference next week and they'll be that times 1000 so this is it fun time.Danelle Brostrom 22:03 So the stack next to your bed of the books you need to read...Stephie Luyt 22:06 unsafe.Larry Burden 22:08 I trying to think of your Twitter stack. Because I know, you know, after we had we mentioned Colby Sharp on a few pods and that obviously triggered an algorithm on Twitter at some point in time because we @ him a few times. And suddenly, I'm pretty up on all the new books and things that are coming out because that is my Twitter feed and I'm thinking, what is yours like? Is it just, just book, after book, after book?Larry Burden 22:28 You've got to read this, you've got to read this, You've got to...Stephie Luyt 22:28 Pretty muchStephie Luyt 22:32 It's nerve wracking.Larry Burden 22:32 I was just going to say, it's got to be overwhelming. I'm stressed just looking your mine andStephie Luyt 22:35 This is a fun time. Yeah.Larry Burden 22:36 For sure.Larry Burden 22:37 Stephie, do you have anything else?Danelle Brostrom 22:37 I'm out.Stephie Luyt 22:38 When you mentioned Colby Sharp, the one book that he, one of the books he talked aboutLarry Burden 22:43 This year's Liz Kolb it would seem.Danelle Brostrom 22:45 Colby SharpStephie Luyt 22:46 He mentioned that he was reading "Atomic Habits." And then it popped up for a couple people, and so I just started it. So I can't say much about it but I am really encouraged by, it's an interesting look at sort of those small things, those small changes that you make. Nothing, in terms of a huge new philosophy, but I think it, it's really interesting, and if it gives me insight into how Colby Sharp reads 1000 books a year and then that can even translate for me to read a quarter of that number that would be a huge win for this book to help me do that. So get through that big list.Larry Burden 23:25 I guess for there. TechTool of the Week.Techtool of the Week 23:31 I want to share the, "Use Tech for Good," site. It's ustech4good.com, and they challenge youth and adults to find and create the good online. Replacing the fear with positive deliberate and constructive ways youth and adults can work together with technology. It is beautiful, and inspirational, and there's a ton of positive examples of youth in tech, and it's definitely my tech tool of the week.Larry Burden 23:55 This is good stuff. Tutorials and Updates. TechNollerGist shockingly has a new tutorial, "Intro to Google Drive." I think there's a cottage industry on Google tutorials. Because Google updates and changes so many things so often, for the good 90% of the time. So, if you think you know Google Drive you probably don't, watch the tutorial, "Intro to Google Drive," by the TechNollerGist. Hey, I would ask for our listeners, leave a rating on iTunes and include your favorite trends in education in, in the review so it's a great way for us, A. to get reviews, so please leave a review, but also a great way to communicate with us on what you think is really cool in education right now. So leave a review and a trend. In closing, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @tcapsloop,Danelle Brostrom 24:44 @brostromda,Stephie Luyt 24:46 @StephiLuytLarry Burden 24:47 And get all the books. Subscribe to the podcast on podbean, iTunes, Stitcher and tune-in, downcast overcast, the Google Play Store, Spotify and wherever else you get your ear candy. Leave review, we love the feedback. Thanks for listening, and inspiring.Danelle Brostrom 25:04 Jeez Larry, I wasn't gonna Black Mirror it.
Literacy leaders Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp talk about the power of book ownership.
In this episode Alaina and Colby discuss some of the positive impacts they have seen school sports have had on their students.
NOTE: Sorry about Audio.. Colby was kind enough to be one of the first educators to interview. This was done on an iphone :-) From author, to youtube expert, podcaster, educator, father, friend, etc. The dude Colby Sharp does it all! And he does a great job at it too. During this podcast, Gary speaks with the man himself. They talk about the importance of putting the right books in every kids hands, family, his early years in an all white school, and so much more. This podcast is jammed with personal tips on life and education. Sit back and enjoy this one.. Oh yeah, do you enjoy Elvis? If so.. Colby has a book you NEED to check out!
"The comic strip is no longer the comic strip. But in reality and illustrated novel. It is new and raw in form just now, but material for limitless intelligent development. And eventually, and inevitably, it will be a legitimate medium for the best writers and artists. It is already the embryo of a new art form." - Will Eisner Show Transcript:Stephie Luyt 0:01 I'm not fuming.Larry Burden 0:02 She's fuming.Stephie Luyt 0:02 I'm the opposite of fuming.Danelle Brostrom 0:04 Aww, that's more calming.Stephie Luyt 0:11 We just might ramble.Larry Burden 0:12 This is a safe space. If you haven't noticed through the years that this is a safe rambling space.Stephie Luyt 0:18 That's meaty.Larry Burden 0:24 It is Episode 92 of the EdTechLoop podcast. My name is Larry Burden and she has yet to reveal her secret identity. It's Danelle Brostrom. And also joining us, her spunky super sidekick Stephie Luyt. Up in the TCAPS tower we gaze over the troubled streets of TC pondering this week's moment of Zen.Moment of Zen 0:44 Grown ups are a strange breed. Their brains weigh close to three pounds. And that's not three pounds of cheery delight.Larry Burden 0:53 We've added sweet onions, garlic, tomatoes and potatoes but today's stew isn't completed until we add this week's meat of the show: Graphic Novels are Good, 'Nuff Said.Danelle Brostrom 1:04 Stephie, I'm so excited that you're here today.Larry Burden 1:06 She jumps in.Danelle Brostrom 1:07 I did jump inLarry Burden 1:08 That wasn't the quote.Danelle Brostrom 1:10 You told me to jump in.Larry Burden 1:11 That wasn't the quote. I had the quote.Danelle Brostrom 1:13 Oh, Larry.Danelle Brostrom 1:14 Edit!Larry Burden 1:15 We're gonna keep this goin'Stephie Luyt 1:16 Graphic novels are good. You like said it all.Larry Burden 1:21 I wanted to share this from Will Eisner.Stephie Luyt 1:23 Yes.Danelle Brostrom 1:24 OkLarry Burden 1:25 The comic strip is no longer the comic strip. But in reality and illustrated novel. It is new and raw in form just now, but material for limitless intelligent development. And eventually, and inevitably, it will be a legitimate medium for the best writers and artists. It is already the embryo of a new art form.Stephie Luyt 1:45 Excellent.Larry Burden 1:46 And go.Stephie Luyt 1:48 I'm glad we let you go past the rest.Danelle Brostrom 1:51 Stephie, you're always my "go to" about good books for kids. So you've got quite a few graphic novels there. Talk to me about graphic novels. Why are they all of a sudden, the thing to read for kids?Stephie Luyt 2:02 Okay, well, and can I just loop back a little bit to something Larry just said, because I think there's an interesting discussion to be had about comic strips versus graphic novels, you might find them in the same spot in the library. And they have so much in common because the story is told so visually and both but a comic strip is often told over many installations. Like if you think about a traditional comic strip it'd be in a newspaper.Larry Burden 2:29 It's serialized.Stephie Luyt 2:30 Yes. And a different way to think about a graphic novel is the whole story is usually told in a book or two. And sometimes there's a trilogy or whatnot of you know, it can be...Larry Burden 2:39 It's like a movie versus a TV show.Stephie Luyt 2:41 Excellent example. 'Nuff said. When we're thinking about, you know, graphic novels and comic strips and that art form, one of the reasons it's become so popular is because of the quality of what is being produced, and especially for kids, young readers, and middle grade and I was never aware of the extent of graphic novels that are available for adults too. I was surprised. I shouldn't be surprised. But that's not a medium that I was spending a lot of time reading. I was spending a lot of time and do spend a lot of time on children and Y.A.. But there's a whole world of adult graphic novels, not adult in theme but adult, geared toward adults. One really popular one that people may know and one that I am familiar with is now a Broadway play. It's called "Fun Home" by Alison Bechdel.Larry Burden 3:30 Saw it.Stephie Luyt 3:31 Oh, tell us about it.Larry Burden 3:32 It was fabulous. It was, saw it in Toronto. It was really literate, really interesting. I'm not going to break it down. But yeah, brought my, my children to it. It was really mature subject matter.Stephie Luyt 3:44 Yep.Larry Burden 3:45 I did not actually know that it was based off of a graphic novel, so.Stephie Luyt 3:48 Yeah, a graphic memoir that she described as a tragic comic,Larry Burden 3:52 difficult topics handled actually, pretty delicately.Stephie Luyt 3:55 And with a lot of humor. That's my, I mean, that's how the book is, I'm assuming.Larry Burden 4:00 Yeah, absolutely.Stephie Luyt 4:01 Content geared totally toward adults, all the way down to our littles. There are graphic novels that are just exploding and grabbing kids, because of the strength of the stories. The strength of the stories and the quality of the illustrations and the art. At the end of the day, anything in terms of books or narratives that we see in a TV show or anything like that, it all boils down to a story. And the stories that are being told are just really rich and really strong. And, you know, in terms of just looking at data from a hard data side, I mean, explosion in terms of $80 million in increased sales in graphic novels since 2017, according to one stat that I found. And it's where many of our most talented, I think authors and illustrators are working in that form right now. It's an exciting time, because there's so much there to hook kids. There's content and storylines in that format that would appeal to all readers. And readers of all ages and abilities.Danelle Brostrom 5:05 That was gonna be my next question. So if I have a low reader, or a high reader, I should look to graphic novels for them. It's not just one type of child.Stephie Luyt 5:13 Absolutely, Absolutely. And we've talked about this before with looking at books that would have, you know, themes for younger kids, but would have a high level of reading. Classics, and a lot of classics have been turned into graphic novels. And we were chatting yesterday about "A Wrinkle in Time," and how that is more accessible for some kids to start with the graphic novel before reading "A Wrinkle in Time." Or, I mean, "Anne of Green Gables," is a graphic novel. Lots and lots of books have been turned into that format, and are hooking readers, which is really what, that's the goal that we have. Like, get our kids reading, right book for the right reader.Larry Burden 5:17 All right, I want to know what you got?Stephie Luyt 5:55 So in front of us, there's kind of a stack of books as there tends to be. There were, just last week, a number of books, a number of graphic novels that were released, but they also were previewed this summer at a couple conferences. So I would say that one of the biggest that has just come out is "Guts," by Raina Telgemeier, who is well known for her other books, "Drama," "Smile," "Sisters," "Ghosts," and "Guts," is the story of the author's experience as a fourth grader and dealing with anxiety and stomach aches that came with her anxiety. And I've seen write ups about it as such an important work for kids who are struggling with those kinds of issues and being able to read about them in such an accessible, comfortable way. It's been written up a whole bunch recently, New York Times all sorts of places, and it's excellent. You've read it, I know you enjoyed it.Danelle Brostrom 6:49 Yeah, my whole family, we thought it was amazing. And even just that idea of some things, some things that I'm experiencing, are kind of like this main character, but they're a little bit different. So being able to talk about how you relate to that character is a really important skill for kids.Stephie Luyt 7:08 And I think that's something that if you've been exposed and reading in the genre, recently, the none of the books are shying away from issues that kids are dealing with. Like there, there's meaty, tough issues, and a lot of, a lot of books, not just graphic novels, but presented in a way that kids can identify with and you know, make meaning in their own life from the experiences of what they're seeing the characters go through. Plus, they're also fun and funny. I mean, the format is, lends itself to also a little bit of, you know, light humor too, and sometimes full on humor. I mean, they're just like "Fun Home," like it tackles tough issues, but that format helps make it comfortable.Larry Burden 7:48 A lot more accessible. Sometimes, especially with some of the tougher issues, It's good to have a, an accessible image, as opposed to the image that might be developed in your own head. It kind of gives you a safety net.Stephie Luyt 8:02 I think that's true.Larry Burden 8:02 So it's not quite as scary.Stephie Luyt 8:04 So highly recommend "Guts." Also "White Bird," by R.J. Palacio, whose name would be familiar if you're, have read the "Wonder," books. And this story is of Julian, so the character from "Wonder." It's Julian's grandmother's story. Julian is one of the characters who is one of the bullies in the book, in the main book. And this tells the backstory of his family. It's very powerful, because it's about the war and her experience in the war. The artwork is gorgeous. They were actually at ALA giving away prints of her art, and it was something that you would hang up, it's gorgeous. But telling that full spectrum of the "Wonder," story, which has been hugely popular, and anyone who's read "Wonder," would enjoy seeing this side of the story, in this perspective. And it's, there's heavy issues in it. But it's beautifully told.Larry Burden 9:01 We've talked about graphic novels before on the podcast, and forever graphic novels have gotten a bad rap. Why?Stephie Luyt 9:10 I mean, people say, you know, the, the argument is, it's not real reading, because it's in small chunks. And it's not written out in the same format. And it's, it looks different. And it has all those illustrations. And, it is real reading, and kids are digesting the story in the same way. And they are taking in the same content. And they are processing the artwork as part of the story, which is a whole 'nother set of skills. And it's telling the story in a, in another way. I believe anything that hooks kids and makes them want to read is real reading.Larry Burden 9:46 It's a narrative. You're, you're, you're teaching students, or kids to love, narrative and love storytelling.Stephie Luyt 9:53 And then this is just a creative way that's, that the story is being presented, you know, with art involved. And you know, I think before we had all of this amazing content in a graphic novel form, comic strips would have been what had gotten a bad rap. It's the same argument, though, like you're still, a story is being told, like you said in small episodes or increments, but the narrative and the arc of the story, and this, you know, the the plat, and the twists, and all those, all of those elements of a good story exist in that format. It's told in a different way,Larry Burden 10:26 The form doesn't really matter, the reason why books were printed the way books were printed, time in memoriam, is cost. The more words you can fit on a page, the cheaper the book is. It's publishable. We now have the opportunity to make picture books cheaply. So that's the reason why we're making picture books. It's still words, it's still narrative, it's still story. Why should we be stuck with an old world form, when we don't have to? Well, the question that I have is, why are authors choosing this format? Because it's available to them now. It's potentially a better way to tell a story. It just wasn't available to them. I remember as a, as a student, when I was young, and I was a struggling reader. There were just too many words on a page, I couldn't manage that amount of content. You know, and they're finding now that large print books are actually really helping kids because they can manage the content. Again, my escape was the graphic novel or the comic book, because there was really just less word, less words on the page. And I was able to get, get over a lot of those hurdles, in my reading, to the point where then I could go and read much richer texts. And I had fallen in love with the narrative, which is the important part for our kids. They'll read. They have to have those progressions, to the point where they can. They're not going to start with Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. They're just not.Stephie Luyt 12:01 Nor is anyone.Larry Burden 12:02 And it's not a competition,Stephie Luyt 12:04 Right?Larry Burden 12:04 So whatever gets them hooked, is the important thing. And I think we've talked about that,Stephie Luyt 12:09 Right? And the visual are very engaging, and pull kids into the narrative, before they even get into the story. So I think it's it's a win, win. Was it the art? Or was it the story that grabbed you as a reader when you were young?Larry Burden 12:24 Both.Stephie Luyt 12:24 Both.Larry Burden 12:25 Both. But I would say, you know, just like looking at an album cover, as you're going to the record store back in the day. You'd be like, oh, that's a cool album cover. I think I'm going to get it. And then you know, you listen to it, you might like it, you might not. The art was, was the entry point. The story is what kept you coming back?Stephie Luyt 12:42 Absolutely.Danelle Brostrom 12:43 Well, the goal should be to get kids to fall in love with reading. And part of getting kids to fall in love with reading is that they need to be able to see themselves in the story. And if you have a child who had issues, like we talked about "Guts," like with anxiety, typically you would have to look for a middle school or high school book. And that's not always going to have content in it that's appropriate for an elementary school kids. So I love how these graphic novels do tackle tough issues, and kids can actually see themselves in them, but it's done in a safe accessible way for kids.Stephie Luyt 13:17 Absolutely. And issues that are really mainstream that kids are, lots of kids are dealing with, anxiety and other issues like that, but kids are also dealing with friend concerns. And there's lots of books that are just focused on real experiences of what kids are having. And the range of so many experiences, so many different situations. And I feel like books are really expanding into all of those. You know, starting to pull stories from lots and lots of different perspectives. I mean, we've talked a lot about you know, windows and mirrors, and, and books of all forms, graphic included are getting more and more experiences, more and more perspectives, more, just more looks at all the different ways people are experiencing the world. And I think that is a win for all readers, and especially our kiddos.Larry Burden 14:04 Sure, what else we have?Stephie Luyt 14:06 There's a trilogy that's been very popular, and the most recent one is called, "Sonny Rolls the Dice," getting adjusted to middle school. Kind of those same issues, friend issues. This one makes me giggle because it's about Dungeons and Dragons. So it's back in like the heyday of Dungeons and Dragons, which apparently is having a huge comeback.Danelle Brostrom 14:24 What!Danelle Brostrom 14:26 And then, "The Babysitters Club," books that are really popular that Raina Telgemaier has, she has done a number of graphic novels that are the "Babysitters Club." Based on the novels that were by Ann Martin. But this is for younger readers, because it's the "Babysitters Little Sister," is the title that we're looking at. So it's for younger kids than Upper El, even. So that is what, as you look through graphic novels, you really do see that there are books geared toward all ages. And you know, the "Lunch Lady," series and "Zita, the Space Girl," and the "Bone," books. Those are young Elementary, and then moving all the way through. So much for Upper El and Middle, and then High School. And as we talked about, lots and lots of titles for adults as well. I mean, there's a really powerful trilogy of books called, "March." And it's based on the experience of John Lewis. And, I think it was up for a National Book Award. Maybe the first one in the series. But that's telling, from his perspective of being involved in the civil rights movement, and telling all that important history through this powerful graphic novel format. And again, it just highlights that the graphic novel format is touching on all sorts of story. That it's touching on fiction, and nonfiction and memoir. And it's so hard to hear that it's not real reading because of all of what it encompasses in that, in that format. So what we have to do, I think, is just spend, lock ourselves in for the rest of the day and just read graphic novels. Is that okay?Larry Burden 15:52 Oh, I'm in.Danelle Brostrom 15:52 Okay.Larry Burden 15:52 I'm 100% in, yeah,Stephie Luyt 15:55 And graphic novels are satisfying, because you can get through them a little more quickly. So you'll feel accomplished on your reading list.Larry Burden 16:01 There was some passion, in what you're saying.Stephie Luyt 16:04 They're so great. I just love that the options are out there for kids. And they're so, and not just graphic novels, but there's so much out there, especially right now for, for young readers. The quality of what's coming out. And it's awesome.Larry Burden 16:18 And I just thought about this because I'm reading a book, and as I'm going through, and like, "is this is a young adult book?" Like that was a bad thing. You know, I just in my head, How can we get that out of my head? Because I don't think I'm alone. In that, I'm an adult, I shouldn't be reading, whatever. I, really, and there's so much good content in the young adult section.Stephie Luyt 16:40 There's so much good content everywhere.Larry Burden 16:42 Well, Yeah.Stephie Luyt 16:43 My book group, which is almost all English teachers at one of the high schools, we just read a picture book for our book club. And it's the story of Margaret Wise Brown. So the, you know, "Goodnight Moon," and it's, it's this amazing picture book about her, and that was our book club book. So I don't know what to tell you accept that embrace it. If you love the book, read it and take the story and, who cares if it's a YA, who cares if it's a children's book? That's my not super helpful comment.Danelle Brostrom 17:15 Didn't "Harry Potter," kind of break that thought for a lot of people?Larry Burden 17:19 I think soDanelle Brostrom 17:20 I mean, aren't there are a lot of adults who gravitated to Harry Potter for the first time and went like, Whoa, there's actually good things in YA, I shouldn't dismiss that entire...Stephie Luyt 17:29 Middle grade. Yeah,Larry Burden 17:30 It's so, it's so simple in the sense that those books were thick.Stephie Luyt 17:34 Right?Larry Burden 17:35 So they must be literature,Stephie Luyt 17:36 right?Danelle Brostrom 17:37 It's true.Larry Burden 17:38 If a graphic novel was a little thicker, suddenly, that's literature.Stephie Luyt 17:43 So like, "Wonderstruck," or "Hugo Cabret."Larry Burden 17:46 Yeah, I was thinking, yes.Stephie Luyt 17:47 Those are almost all illustrations. And but, yes, a super thick book that would allay your, your feelings of...Larry Burden 17:54 Make it, make it hard cover andStephie Luyt 17:56 if it's heavy, but it doesn't have to be boring and old to make it real literature.Danelle Brostrom 18:01 Mic drop.Larry Burden 18:02 Techtool of the WeekDanelle Brostrom 18:06 Techtool of the Week, we...Larry Burden 18:08 That was so cute...Stephie Luyt 18:09 We sort of have one. I think our TechTool of the Week was to...Techtool of the Week 18:13 Just follow Colby Sharp. I can't always take a ton of Stephie's time to get good book recommendations. So...Stephie Luyt 18:20 Yes you can.Danelle Brostrom 18:20 be, being able to follow someone like Colby Sharp, who is in the classroom with kids. And reads how many books?Danelle Brostrom 18:27 A thousand books a year. Following someone like him. Because he's always sharing the stuff that's coming out, that's new, and that's really, really goodStephie Luyt 18:36 Yeah, the book you talked about it Wired just came out. It's called, "Maybe He Just Likes You." And it was the book, I think if I'm remembering how he phrased this, if you're going to read one book this year, that should be it, so.Larry Burden 18:47 Great follow on Twitter, for sure. Um, I just want to throw it out tutorials and updates. I have to be honest, we have so many pods out there right now. So many podcasts and stuff that's been thrown up on YouTube. I'm not going to hit them all. So I'm just going to say, go to Danelle's YouTube page, go to the TechNollerGist's YouTube page, which just there's so much content there. The TCAPSLoop YouTube Channel has something on it. We did actually put the Evan O'branevic podcast on there, or at least a snippet of it. So, it's alive. "It's Alive! Alive! Closing, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @TCAPSLoopDanelle Brostrom 19:26 @brostromdaStephie Luyt 19:27 @StephieLuytLarry Burden 19:28 Subscribe to the podcast on podbean, iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-in, downcast, overcast, the Google Play Store or wherever else you get your ear candy. Please leave review. We love the feedback. Thanks for listening and inspiring.Stephie Luyt 19:43 Okay, well, Are we still being recorded?
Colby Sharp author of Game Changer! Books for All shares some ways to improve your classroom library without spending any money at all. There are some ideas for all of us here. www.coolcatteacher.com/e565 Colby Sharp - Bio As Submitted Colby Sharp is a husband and father of five. He teaches fifth grade in Parma, Michigan. Colby is the co-founder of Nerdy Book Club, and he serves on the Nerd Camp Michigan team. He co-hosts The Yarn podcast with Travis Jonker. Colby currently serves as the president-elect of the Michigan Reading Association. He co-authored Game Changer! Book Access for All Kid with Donalyn Miller, and he is the editor of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection. Blog: http://www.mrcolbysharp.com Twitter: @colbysharp Book: Game Changer! Books for All Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.
In this special, extended episode of the show, Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker discuss the evolution of The Yarn podcast. They share their favorite (and funniest) moments, interviews, and episodes. This episode is sponsored by BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO BOOK CLUBS, published by Heinemann.
In this episode Alaina and Colby Sharp discuss how they are feeling about heading back to school. They share their goals for week 1, and the things they are worried about. Resources discussed:Finding My Voice by Mike RileyRunning Man by Charlie EngleA Heart in a Body in the Wold by Deb Caletti
Intro Hi everyone and welcome to Books Between - a podcast for educators, librarians, parents, and everyone who loves middle grade books! My goal is to help you connect kids between 8-12 with fantastic reads because I believe that a book can change the trajectory of a child’s life. And I want to help you introduce kids to those amazing, life-shaping books and bring you inspiring (and fun!) conversations with the authors and educators who make that magic happen. I’m your host, Corrina Allen - a mom of two tween girls, a 5th grade teacher, and finally beginning my summer vacation!! Before we begin, I have a few quick announcements! First - a reminder that Monday nights are the #MGBookChat Twitter chats with some really amazing topics coming up this summer like STEM in Middle Grade, Inspiring Kids to Write, Grief in Middle Grade, and several Open Chats where you can bring your own topic to discuss. So if you are like me and have a tendency to forget those sort of things, set a reminder on your phone for Mondays at 9pm EST and check out #MGBookChat on Twitter. Second - I will be at NerdCampMI this July 8th & 9th - so if you are headed that way this summer, please please do say hi. And finally - I am really excited to tell you that I will be rejoining the All the Wonders team as their Podcast Network Developer to produce a new array of shows cultivating a wider variety of perspectives and stories in the world of children’s literature. First up is All the Wonders This Week - a brief, topical show released every Tuesday where a guest and I will chat about all things wondrous and new in the world of children’s literature. So stay tuned for that this summer! But - no worries - Books Between isn’t going anywhere! This is episode #74 and today’s show features the Top 20 books that my students loved this year, a reflection on what went right and what went wrong for me this last school year, and a conversation with Rajani LaRocca - author of Midsummer’s Mayhem. Top 20 Student Favorites Let’s start with the top 20 books that my 5th grade students loved and recommended this school year. Because it’s one thing for an adult to enjoy a book, but for it to really make an impact, it has to connect with its intended audience. There have been plenty of books that I loved, but for some reason didn’t seem to resonate with middle grade readers. Honestly, I think THIS list is way more valuable than ANY list that any adult puts out. I couple notes before we begin. My students have pretty much free choice to read what they want in class and for homework at night, but we did have two book clubs this year - one in the fall featuring immigrant and refugee experiences and then we just wrapped up our fantasy book clubs. So that context likely influenced what books they had most exposure to. Also - our four main read alouds this year were Home of the Brave, a non-fiction title called When Lunch Fights Back, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and The Thief of Always. Only two of those made it into this Top 20. And there are only six graphic novels on this list, which might surprise some adults who like to complain to me that “all kids read these days are those graphic novels”. (Can you hear my eyes rolling?) I also want to be transparent about how I calculated this “Top 20”. So, at the end of the year, we did various wrap-up and reflection activities. In mid-June, I send out a quick survey one morning asking them for their top reads of the year. They also worked on an end-of-the-year reflection celebration slideshow and one slide was devoted to sharing their favorite books. Also, each student worked on a “Top 10 List” (or” Top 5 List” or whatever - an idea I got from Colby Sharp) listing their most highly recommended books of the year - recommended for their current class and to be shared with the incoming 5th graders. So… I tallied up each time a title was mentioned in any of those places. And here are the top 20 titles my 5th graders loved and recommended. Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi This graphic novel is still a strong favorite with my fifth graders. Maybe slightly less so this year, but I think that’s because a LOT of them already read it in 4th grade. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney Still going strong! Admittedly, not every mention was book one, but the series is a perennial favorite among my students and one that they love to reread in between other books. Ghost by Jason Reynolds The Track Series has gained a lot of momentum this year - and mainly through word of mouth. It was one of our school’s ProjectLIT selections so there was some buzz around that, but only one of my students was able to make it to those meetings so the popularity of this title is due strictly to kids recommending it to other kids. Escape from Aleppo by N. H. Senzai This title was one of the immigrant /refugee themed book club selections from the fall and even though just four kids read it in that club, it was quickly passed around after that. If you know children who enjoyed books like Refugee or Amal Unbound, Escape from Aleppo is a great next book to introduce them to next. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes Every child that picked this book up and read it, ended up calling it a favorite. The Books of Elsewhere by Jacqueline West This title was one of our Fantasy Book Club options and it really lends itself to fabulous discussions if you’re looking to round out that genre. Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder I will admit - I was totally surprised this made the top 20. Not because I don’t like it - I LOVE this book, but I didn’t really witness it being read or talked about a lot past September or October. But clearly it made a lasting impact on those that did read it. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey In the same vein as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this series of books are the go-to rereads when a student isn’t sure what they want to read next. It’s one of those comfort reads that always winds up back in their book boxes. Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol This graphic novel was passed from kid to kid this year with so many of them reading it multiple times. Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin Which was a second shocker to me because this novel is a class read-aloud in 3rd grade. So all the love for this one came from students who remembered it fondly and reread it. Maybe because I happened to have a few copies in our room? Which reminds me to make sure to have those previous year’s titles available in our classroom library. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins Another one of our hot fantasy book club picks - this series is a winner. Year and after kids fall in love with the characters! And it will make you fall in love with a cockroach. That’s some powerful writing! Smile by Raina Telgemeier Still…. after all these years. This book has that special spark. Crush by Svetlana Chmakova When this graphic novel came out in this past October, I bought one copy and immediately the kids grabbed a pen and paper and started their own waiting list. The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix The credit for this book’s popularity falls squarely to a book trailer that our school librarian showed our class. It got us all sooo hooked that I splurged a bit and bought three copies for our classroom. And it just took off from there. In fact, I haven’t even read the darn thing yet because I could never get my hands on a copy. And actually, I think it’s the only title on this list that I haven’t read. Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson Because…. of course! And actually, our classroom copy of this book didn’t even make it past March. The spine cracked and then the pages started falling apart, so I’ve got to get another copy for the fall. It was clearly well-loved. Blended by Sharon Draper Whoa did this novel take my class by storm! And it wasn’t part of a book club, it wasn’t a read aloud, it didn’t have a snazzy book trailer - it just really resonated with kids. And they just kept recommending it to each other. Front Desk by Kelly Yang This was THE hot title this fall! It was one of the choices for our immigrant/refugee book clubs but unlike some of the other titles, this one had a huge resurgence after the clubs ended with kids rereading and passing it along to their friends all through the year. It was constantly in someone’s book box. The Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gidwitz & Hatem Aly This was another fantasy book club option. And I think, the popularity of this book is really due to the fact that it had a phenomenal book trailer that hooked kids with it’s humor. It was also a shorter book with lots of great illustrations so kids quickly finished it, passed it along and were on to the next in the series. Okay - we are down to the top two. And not surprisingly, they are both class read alouds. It makes sense that the books every child read or listened to would be high on a list of class favorites. But as I said before, two of our read alouds didn’t make the cut so these two truly did connect with the class. The Thief of Always by Clive Barker Oh my word is this book amazing! And for many students - it’s their first foray into horror. The chapter illustrations are gruesome and disturbing and wonderful…. If you know kids that like scary books with that paranormal twist… who like something a little weird - this book is perfect! And it makes a really great read aloud. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling I added this one as a read aloud this year since it was the 20th anniversary, and I honestly wasn’t sure if the kids were going to like it. That first book does have a slow start, but it was by far their top rated read aloud and the title most frequently found on their favorites lists and their recommended lists. Harry’s still got the magic. Reflection One of the most important aspects of our last few weeks together at school is time for student reflection and feedback for me and my own reflection on what went well this past year and… what did not. First, let me share with you 5 things that stood out in my students’ final feedback survey. And yes, this is information from a particular class, but I think you’ll find something useful to take away from their responses as well. When asked what they liked most about class, the top responses were Flash-light Fridays (where we turned off all the lights and they got to read with flashlights anywhere in the room), the read alouds, all the Harry Potter activities (house sorting, trying Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, I sent them acceptance letters to Hogawarts, etc.), and doing the one-pagers. When asked what changes I should make for next year, they suggested more book clubs, students getting to vote on our read alouds, and… many of them said they don’t like sitting in groups. That they wanted to be spread out more and have their own space. (Which is interesting - because a couple years ago I came REALLY close to doing away with individual desks and switching to tables and mainly flexible seating options that have been very popular and whenever I have brought that up, my students have consistently told me - they like their own desk and their own space.) When asked “Did you read more or less than last year?”, 33% said a little more and 50% said a lot more. And only one child said that they read less this year. When asked how I could be a better teacher, the most common responses were to give more reading time, read more books aloud, and a suggestion to ask kids to read even more each night. When asked what books we should have more of in our classroom library, they wanted more scary books, more books with magic, more books in a series, more poetry, and of course, more graphic novels. So those were some big takeaways from the feedback from my students. And of course, as I reflect and revise and look for professional development opportunities over the summer, I pair their feedback with the things I saw going well and also things that did not. Here are some “wins” and some “fails” from this past year. A win - the book clubs centered around immigrant and refugee stories. Students learned a lot, had a new perspective on events they may see in the news, and bottom line - just really enjoyed those books. Since many students requested more book clubs, I am considering adding another round or two - perhaps centered around neurodiversity and understanding ourselves and others. A fail - not reading nearly enough poetry and nonfiction. So if I think about expanding book clubs, perhaps shifting a little to a poetry reading club or clubs that want to explore a particular nonfiction topic might be a way to go. A win - read alouds kicked butt this year. After three times reading aloud Thief of Always, I had the voices down, and I finally felt like I knew that story inside and out and could take them places this year that I never would have even realized the first time we read it together. That just reinforces to me how much can be gained be rereading a text multiple times. A fail - not reading enough shorter texts - picture books and short stories. And also, every single one of our read alouds this year featured a male protagonist. And I am NOT letting that happen again next year. Or ANY year! Nooo way! A win - when a student told me she wanted to read books with gay, trans, and queer characters, within 3 minutes I was able to gather a huge stack from our classroom library to plop on her desk so she could find something that might appeal to her. A fail - she didn’t know we had that many titles! I had book-talked many of them, but next year - maybe I’ll have a “Read with Pride” bin to rotate some of those titles in and out. I want to be careful to not “other” those stories and separate all of them, but I do want students to be able to find them easily. A win - students read far more diversely this year than any prior year. And I had many, many boys who without much reservation read Baby Sitter’s Club books, and books about girls getting their periods, and other novels with female protagonists that in year’s past might be met with push-back and laughter. I am maybe seeing a possible cultural shift there. Maybe. I’m hoping. A fail - not taking enough time to explicitly explore bias and structural racism, the impact of social norms and honestly - all the things that are tricky to talk about but that NEED to be talked about. And that was better this year, but still not enough. And I know this is not the work of a summer but the work of a whole career, a whole lifetime. And as always, we are learning together so I’d really love to hear from you about any feedback you received from the children you work with, what your successes and misses were this past year, and what books your kids loved. You can connect with me on Twitter or Instagram - our handle is @books_between or email me at booksbetween@gmail.com and I’d love to share your ideas. Rajani LaRocca - Interview Outline Joining me this week is debut author Rajani LaRocca! We chat about baking, Shakespeare, the novels that influenced her as a child, writing ideas for kids, her unparalleled skill at finding the perfect GIF, and of course - her debut novel Midsummer’s Mayhem! Take a listen. Midsummer’s Mayhem For our listeners who have not yet read Midsummer’s Mayhem - what is this story about? You novel has so many elements that I love - a bit of mystery, a dash of earthy magic, - it’s like The Great British Baking Show meets Shakespeare! And the recipes are so mouth-watering, so unique! Did you actually make all of the recipes in the book? Can we talk about Vik?! I had no idea until the very end which way he was going to go. I love how you created this mystery surrounding him that was multi-sensory - not just visual, but musical, and the earthy scents of the forest…. Mimi is very inspired by Puffy Fay - her celebrity chef idol. Who is your celebrity writing idol? A very important question - do you say “JIF” or “GIF”? However you say it, you are the QUEEN of the Gif!! Your Writing Life You said recently, “Often when I sit down to write a chapter, something surprising happens, and things go in a completely different direction than I’d planned.” What was one of those moments in Midsummer’s Mayhem? My students and kids are always eager to hear writing advice from authors. What’s a tip or trick that you’ve picked up along the way that has helped your writing? What are you working on now? Your Reading Life You’ve mentioned before that the books you read as a child helped shape who you are today. What were some of those books? What are some books that you’ve read lately that you’d recommend to our listeners? Thank you! Links: Rajani’s website - https://www.rajanilarocca.com Rajani on Twitter - @rajanilarocca Rajani on Instagram - @rajanilarocca Books and topics we chatted about: A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L’Engle) Meet the Austins (Madeleine L’Engle) The Arm of the Starfish (Madeleine L’Engle) The Westing Game (Ellen Raskin) The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis) Amar Chitra Katha graphic novels The Simple Art of Flying (Cory Leonardo) Seventh Grade vs the Galaxy (Joshua Levy) Caterpillar Summer (Gillian McDunn) Planet Earth Is Blue (Nicole Panteleakos Super Jake and the King of Chaos (Naomi Milliner) All of Me (Chris Baron) Closing Alright - that’s it for our show this week. If you have a question about how to connect middle grade readers to books they will love or an idea about a guest we should have or a topic we should cover, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at booksbetween@gmail.com or message me on Twitter/Instagram at the handle @Books_Between. Thank you so much for joining me this week. You can find an outline of interviews and a full transcript of all the other parts of our show at MGBookVillage.org. And, if you are liking the show, please help others find us too by telling a friend, sharing on social media, or leaving a rating on iTunes or Stitcher. Talk with you soon! Bye!
Danny and Tavis sit down in studio to discuss the importance of reading, how to read effectively, perception vs reality, kindness, and making positive comments to parents. We discuss the latest events and projects in our woodworking and Social Studies classes. We catch up on our planning and Danny’s Master’s of Arts in Teaching Vlog, and how diversity can make a meaningful and deep impact in the climate of our classrooms. We also spotlight 3 Twitter comments featuring Tips and Tricks from successful educators including Mike Mohammad, Tamara Letter [Passion for Kindness], Ryan Sheehy, and Colby Sharp. This episode of Inspiring Teachers is brought to you with Bandwidth from Podbean.com and support from AmpedUpLearning.com - Are you looking for new and engaging ways to get your students up and moving in the classroom? Get out of the Sit and Get rut of teaching by checking out AmpedUpLearning.com, a 2 teacher owned and operated company in Texas that is looking to gamify teaching with creative new activities for the classroom. From their FRECK! resources and Escape Rooms for Social Studies and Science to SPEED Squares and task cards for Math and English they have TONS of teacher created resources...and don't forget to check out their apparel designed specifically for teachers. Use code HAUGERHISTORY10 to save 10% on all items and follow them on social media @AmpedUpLearning for their monthly giveaways of Amazon giftcards, lessons and apparel.
Intro Hello and welcome to Books Between - a podcast for teachers, parents, librarians, and anyone who wants to connect kids between 8-12 to books they’ll love. I’m your host, Corrina Allen - 5th grade teacher, a mom of two girls (10 and 12), and muddling through some allergies. So if you are wondering why I sound “off” - we can blame all those plants trying to have babies! A quick reminder before we get started that you can find transcripts and interview outlines of every episode - along with lots of other great middle great content over at MGBookVillage.org. This is episode #73 and today’s show starts off with a discussion about strong endings to the school year and then I share with you a conversation with Tina Athaide- author of Orange for the Sunsets. Main Topic - Finishing the Year Strong Our main topic today is ending the school year with your students with strength and purpose. And wrapping up those final weeks together in a way that allows for both reflection on their reading lives and a way to step forward into a summer that builds on the successes of the previous year. It’s like the school year is the runway and the summer is the solo flight after take-off! If you haven’t been building those reading habits all year long, then… well that lift off is going to fall flat. But - there are some things that we can do to plan for a strong transition from that supportive classroom reading community to a strong independent reading life. For me, my school year up here in New York doesn’t end for another five weeks but lots of my friends are already wrapping up their school year so I thought it would be a good time to discuss this topic. And whether you are a parent, or a librarian, or a teacher there will be something in today’s show that you will find useful. First, we’ll talk building in time for reflection and what that can look like. Then, I’ll discuss some ways for students to celebrate and share the reading they’ve enjoyed during the past school year. And finally, I’ll chat about how to usher them into summer with a solid reading plan and hopefully some books in their hands. Reflection One of the most effective ways to cap off your school year is with some time for reflection and feedback. And there are a few options for you to consider. A student survey for YOU to grow as a teacher. So this would involve asking your students questions to help get feedback to help you improve. These questions might be - What was your favorite read aloud this year? What strategies helped you grow the most as a reader? Did you prefer partner reading or book clubs and why? What types of reading responses helped you get the most of your reading? Should we read more nonfiction? What books should we get for our classroom library? Pernille Ripp uses these types of surveys exceptionally well, and I’ll link to her website to get some ideas for you to try and to tweak. It’s also really important that students get the opportunity to write about and discuss their own reading habits and growth - for their own self-reflection. In that case, since the purposes are very different, the questions you ask your students will be different. And if you’ve helped them build that habit of keeping good track of their reading, this will be a thousand times easier. These questions might be along the lines of - How many books did you read this year? How does that compare to last year? Of the books you’ve read, how many were non-fiction? How many were graphic novels? Written by a person of color? Written by a man? Were historical fiction? What was your favorite book you’ve read? How many books did you abandon and why? Those questions that dig a bit deeper are so powerful - especially when given the opportunity to share those thoughts with others. Another way that you can have your students doing some powerful thinking and reflection about the books they are offered is by guiding them through a diversity audit of your classroom collection or library. If you want details about this, I’ve discussed it in more depth in episode 28 (which I will link to in the show notes), but I highly recommend you try this at least one time with your class. And it doesn’t have to be an analysis of all the books in your library. Maybe it’s just a 15 minute check of the biographies together with two or three guiding questions. At the end of the year -it’s all about using the time you have flexibly and well. A great self-reflection method I just bumped into again recently was Pernille Ripp’s post (called “On Reading Rewards”) about having students create an award for themselves to celebrate their own achievement - whether that’s reading 35 books, or discovering a new genre, or just finding one book they really liked. I’ll link to her post with the full description and to the site where you can get those free Reading Certificate templates for students. Celebration & Sharing Along with opportunities for self-reflection and thinking about their own reading accomplishments during the previous year, I think it’s also so important to give students a chance to show off those accomplishments! One educator that I follow on Twitter (Cassie Thomas - @mrs_cmt1489), had her students gather a stack of every book they’ve read during the year and took a picture of them with that book stack! What powerful way to see how what a year’s worth of reading looks like! Another popular (and powerful) way to have students both reflect on their reading and share it, is to have them create a top ten (or so) list. I’ve absolutely modified that to a Top 5 or Top 3 list for those kiddos who were rather daunted by coming up with ten titles. It could be something as simple as the Top 10 Books I’ve Read This Year. Or maybe Top 5 Sports Books, 7 Books To Make You Laugh, Top 8 Books That Made Me Cry, Top 10 Books If You Like History - really the options are endless! And lend themselves well to having those quick finishers make a couple of them. In a recent video by Colby Sharp, he mentioned that he has his class share the lists with him in a Google doc where he complies them, prints out all the lists, and then sends the lists home with the kids for the summer! So if they are ever looking for a book suggestion, they have a ton of options from their classmates right on hand. I’m definitely doing that this year! (I’ll link to Colby’s video so you can check out his other ideas.) A third way to celebrate and share their reading? One-pagers! If you have not tried these yet - the end of the year is the perfect time! Essentially, students go into greater depth with one of their favorite books by creating a one-page presentation. Typically they are very colorful and include strong visual elements to illuminate aspects of the book like drawings of symbols, characters, or representations of the book cover. And the sections depend on your goals - often things like a character analysis, favorite quote, rating, or summary. My students really loved doing these and even had the idea of hanging some in our local public library. And I recently came across a great episode of The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast with guest Betsy Potash that offers some great tips and templates to use. I’ll also include a link directly to Betsy’s site if you want to see those great examples and snag those templates. One other idea to help students celebrate and share their reading is to harness the technology skills they’ve already practiced during the year for that purpose. For example, if your students are already using Flipgrid, have them use that tool to do a book talk for a favorite book, share their top ten list, or discuss patterns they noticed about their reading during the past year. If the kids are more comfortable with SeeSaw, they could do similar things with the video tool or do some annotating of their favorite books and make booksnaps about favorite books or characters. Powerpoint or Google Slides has some cool features - especially to make charts and graphs. One piece of advice here - use technology that they are already familiar with and can work independently on. That way, while they are working, you can take care of those important, time-consuming end-of-the-year tasks like conducting final running records on each student or wrapping up some final scoring on assignments. A Plan & Books in Their Hands The final - and maybe most important thing that you can do to better your odds at a successful launch from the supported reading life you’ve provided to your students to taking their reading life into their own hands is to actually have them leave you with something in their hands. Namely - a plan and at least one book. A summer reading plan: Let’s talk about the plan first. This could be a formal, written plan - but honestly, at the end of the year that might be just a little too structured for summer. Instead, I like to share various ideas and options for kids to boost their reading life over the summer. And then have us all share with each other how to overcome some common obstacles. So here’s what that will look like for our class over the next couple of weeks before school ends: Creating their summer TBR list. Maybe this is based on the Top 10 Lists your class presented or maybe they build a TBR list during a trip to the library, but having that piece of paper is really helpful. Invite our wonderful children’s librarian from our local public library to come in and share with our class the awesome summer programs they have planned. If the timing doesn’t work out for them to travel, a virtual Google Hangout visit or Skype could work, too. Our local library also used to allow for off-site library card sign-ups so check into that as well. Give the kids a list of any summer reading programs or activities you can find in your community. Does your local bookstore have any cool book signings or summer events planned? Is there a Children’s Book Festival happening? Does your community have a traveling library? Is there a summer book club offered at your school? Where are the locations of the Little Free Libraries in your area? Will the local library have a booth at the Pride Festival this June? (Mine will!!!!) Introduce them to some virtual spaces where they can get reading ideas and share their reading life. If they are old enough for social media (13 years old) - perhaps share some accounts to follow. Or encourage them to sign up for a Goodreads account. But honestly - they are most likely going to be on YouTube. So a list of great YouTubers to follow would probably be the most appreciated and actually used by your students. And if you think your students would use it, you could set up a summer reading Fligrid or SeeSaw or other digical space to them to share. I tried this last year and it was a bit of a bust, but maybe I’ll give it another go. Alright, so…. Ideally, I’ll have those resources and ideas compiled into one document for students to take home at the end of the year. And then we’ll have a quick discussion together about which ones they want to participate in, and what are going to be obstacles. Perhaps they can share a brief and flexible plan in their reading journal or on SeeSaw or Flipgrid. Getting books in their hands: And finally - the all important getting books in their hands before they leave for the summer! There are a few ways to do this. Have your end-of-the-year gift be a book. Right now I am in a self-contained class and have 21 students. So I can swing this by saving up Scholastic points and entering a lot of giveaways on Twitter and Goodreads. Next year I’ll be teaching all the 5th graders, so this option might be less doable. One idea I’ve considered instead of selecting a new book for each child based on what I know of their reading life, is to let them pick out one book from our classroom library to take home to keep. Another option is to suggest your PTO/PTA give the graduating class a book as they leave the school. My PTO has done this for the last few years. And it sends a powerful message about what is important and what is valued in our school. Last year is was 365 Days of Wonder and this year will either be New Kid or a picture book like Rock What Ya Got. Another idea that I have seen be very successful is to have a book swap by encouraging families to bring in gently used books for kids to exchange. Our middle school kept them all in a brightly colored kiddie pool with a beach chair next to it. More and more libraries are doing summer check out - which I LOVE!! So if your school is not yet one of those, maybe arm yourself with some great research and start putting a bug in the ear of the powers-that-be to make that change. Allow kids to check out books from your classroom library is another way to get books in their hands for the summer. My 5th graders are leaving to a new school. So instead, at the end of the year we had an opportunity to meet our incoming 4th grade class. And after some quick introductions, I let each child pick 2-3 books they wanted to take home and read over the summer. Before they left, I just took a quick picture of them with their stack so I knew which books were out. But other than that, there was no check-out procedure. I like this for a few reasons. One, it shows them right away that our classroom library is the heart of our class and that I want to get to know them as people and as readers. And that whatever book they picked was fine by me. It’s all reading. Also - we’re starting from a place of trust. I trust them to take those books home and return them. And sure, some didn’t come back. But as Donalyn Miller has so often said, “I’d rather lose a book than lose a reader.” I hope that no matter if you are a teacher, a librarian, or parent that you have found something useful in today’s discussion that will help you foster more independent readers. And no matter what time of year you may stumble across this episode, building in time for reflection, celebrating and sharing our reading lives, and making plans to read more on our own is always a great idea. And as always, we are learning together so please share with us your ideas and successes for ending the year strong. You can connect with me on Twitter or Instagram - our handle is @books_between or email me at booksbetween@gmail.com and I’d love to share your ideas. Tina Athaide - Interview Outline This week I am thrilled to bring you an interview with debut author Tina Athaide! We chat about her research process, the novels that influenced her as a child, writing tips to pass along to the young authors in your life, and of course - her debut historical novel set in 1970s Uganda - Orange for the Sunsets. Take a listen. Orange for the Sunsets Welcome! I’d like to start by giving you an opportunity to introduce yourself to our listeners… I’m an educator by day and writer by night. When I started teaching in Southern CA, I was amazed how little information my students had about other cultures and ethnic groups and always thought they could learn so much from books. Thankfully these days we are seeing an increase in books written about marginalized groups by marginalized writers. What is Orange for the Sunsets about? It set in 1972 and tells the story of Asha-an Asian Indian girl and her best friend Yesofu a Ugandan boy and how their lives are turned upside down when President Idi Amin announces that Indians have ninety days to leave the country. Asha comes from a life of privilege, but even then it isn’t as privileged as the Europeans. Yesofu’s family works for Asha’s parents. They are servants in their own country. Idi’ Amin’s expulsion means different things for these two characters, which creates a conflict that threatens to tear apart their friendship. This was a period in history that very few people knew about, especially here in North America and I felt it was important to share this story. What was your research process like to make sure you were getting not only the history correct, but the 1970’s details accurate? Without dating myself, I have to confess that I have personal connections to this story. I was born in Entebbe, but my family left just before the expulsion.. Growing up I heard many stories about life in Uganda and subsequently the horrors of the expulsion. Early drafts were solely from Asha’s point of view. Yesofu had a role in the book, but I never delved into what the expulsion meant for him. An editor that was interested in the story actually recommended that I write the book from both Asha and Yesofu’s POV. BACK TO THE DRAWING board and revisions. Actually...rewriting the entire book! I was Asian, writing about the Asian Indian experience. I had some knowledge about the Uganda experiences, but not enough to really give Yesofu an authentic and honesty voice. That involved research. I spoke to Indians and Ugandans about their experiences during that period of history, beyond just family and friends. I wanted to know their opinions about Idi Amin’s expulsion, how their lives were affected. I travelled to Kenya and spoke to Kenyan and Ugandan Africans about this time period. What was also very helpful wasI read articles written during those ninety days from newspapers around the world. When Idi Amin originally expelled Asians, he kicked out those Indians holding British passports and citizenship. But when he ordered all Asian Indians out of the country, the UN asked countries to open their borders and accept refugees....That included the United States. Although your story is set over 40 years ago and in a country across the globe, it has so many parallels to what’s happening in America now with the rise of populist anti-immigrant sentiment that veers in violence. Did you intentionally want to capture some of those similar sentiments? It saddens me that in this day and age there are such close parallels between the story in Orange For the Sunset and the strong rise of anti-immigrant sentiment across the globe. It wasn’t intentional on my part to capture those similarities, but that period of history with Idi Amin and the brutality toward Indians unfortunately mirrors current sentiments. **BONUS SPOILER SECTION: We discuss the ending of the novel, and if you’d like to hear that conversation, I moved that part of the recording to after the end credits of today’s episode at the 38:12 mark. How has this book changed from your earlier drafts to this final version? Were there parts that you loved but you had to edit out? Your Writing Life What are you working on now? I have a picture book coming out in 2020 about a young child, Sita and her grandfather, Gandhi. She is spirited and full of vigor and he teaches her to give how slowing down opens you up to see and appreciate so much more in life. I am working on a MG fantasy book about a young boy who is destined to be keeper of the Pancha Maha-Bhoota–the five great elements of nature. It weaves in elements of Hindu mythology with flying garuda and naga cobras. What is most exciting is the character travels through time to real places in India so readers will get to visit these spectacular sites. My students and kids are always eager to hear writing advice from authors. What’s a tip or trick that you’ve picked along the way that has helped your writing? When I finish writing the rough draft, I go through the manuscript and use different colors to highlight emotional points, plot points, dialogue. Then I will read through the story focusing on each color and it give me a narrow and wide lens as I revise. Your Reading Life What are some books or authors that influenced you as a child? Growing up, there were no books in the local library or school library with people of color, so l went on adventures with Trixie Belden, Anne of Green Gables, and Anastacia Krupnik. Each in their own way those writers influenced me, even if it was to show me how books took you places different from your own world. I loved the Narnia series by CS Lewis and Harriet the Spy and the Outsiders. What are some books that you’ve read lately that you’d recommend to our listeners? Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krisnaswami The Bridge Home by PadmaVenkatraman The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani Drama by Raina Telgemeier Thank you! Links: Tina on Twitter - @tathaide Mae on Instagram - @tinaathaide Closing Alright - that’s it for our show this week. If you have a question about how to connect middle grade readers to books they will love or an idea about a guest we should have or a topic we should cover, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at booksbetween@gmail.com or message me on Twitter/Instagram at the handle @Books_Between. Thank you so much for joining me this week. You can find an outline of interviews and a full transcript of all the other parts of our show at MGBookVillage.org. And, if you are liking the show, please help others find us too by telling a friend, sharing on social media, or leaving a rating on iTunes or Stitcher. Talk with you soon! Bye!
TCAPSLoop Weekly Episode 80...Summer ConferencesiTunes Google Play Stitcher Tune-In RSSWe talk a lot about self care. Investing in yourself can come in many forms...beach reads, meditation, worldwide adventures…Self care also means investing in your career, and time away from your regular routine can be the perfect opportunity to learn something new. There are SO many opportunities to connect with your teaching tribe in the upcoming months!Spring & Summer ConferencesPersonalized Learning ConferenceMay 6-8, Kent ISD (Grand Rapids)$50Conference is May 7 - site visits are May 6, May 8thIncludes site visits to Kenowa Hills and Kent Innovation High SchoolFocus on innovation, student led learning, personalized learningREMC Classroom Makers SummitJune 20 - Midland MIFREEFocus on supporting Michigan classroom teachers who have integrated making into their teaching practice or who are interested in integrating the Maker Movement into their classroom. The day will allow attendees to explore maker-centered tools and trends, gain valuable resources, and connect with maker-minded educators.Staying true to the spirit of REMC Classroom Makers the day will offer plenty of hands-on opportunities, a collaborative environment, and chances to flex your maker skills!Call for Presenters - due May 6ISTEJune 23-36 - PhiladelphiaCall for Speakers - due April 26Over 1,400 sessions NERD CAMP July 8-9 - Parma, MIFREE Run by Colby SharpAuthors, illustratorsDay 1 is much like a traditional education conference. We have scheduled speakers to get you all fired up about teaching reading and writing in the classroom. Day 2 of nErDcamp is designed differently than your typical conference. It's an (un)conference with a focus on literacy in learning. That's literacy in every and all areas -- science and math, we're talking to you too!Nerd Camp JR - registration opens May 1Lake Michigan Tech Conference July 22 - Coloma, MIRun by Daniel MaresFocused strands of literacy, STEM, assessment AMAZING conferenceCall for Presenters - due this Friday!WIREDTCAugust 12 - Traverse City, MILiz Kolb - keynote - focus on learning first, technology secondNEWS: Adding in a second keynote - Colby Sharp - literacy!Focus on ISTE Standards and AASL StandardsVirtual OpportunitiesEduPaths#michED Twitter ChatREMC CoursesMACUL Teach Wonder Professional Learning ProgramChris WoodsWebsite - DailySTEMPodcast: STEM EverydayTranscripts are still in the works...getting there. Enjoy the show!A weekly podcast hosted by Danelle Brostrom and Larry Burden and a cast of thousands spreading the good word regarding Traverse City Area Public Schools, Public Education and Education Technology.Please subscribe to and rate our podcast on iTunes, or via email and join our conversation on twitter @tcapsloop or the tcapsloop facebook page and check out the what's new on the Loop.Music provided by Podington Bear
Danny and Tavis sit down in studio (watch this episode in 4K on YouTube) to discuss the importance of reading, how to read effectively, perception vs reality, kindness, and making positive comments to parents. We discuss the latest events and projects in our woodworking and Social Studies classes. We catch up on our planning and Danny’s Master’s of Arts in Teaching Vlog, and how diversity can make a meaningful and deep impact in the climate of our classrooms. We also spotlight 3 Twitter comments featuring Tips and Tricks from successful educators including Mike Mohammad, Tamara Letter [Passion for Kindness], Ryan Sheehy, and Colby Sharp. Questions for our next episode or guest ideas? Write us! inspiringteachershow@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @InspiringTeacherShow Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/inspiring-teachers/id1442182731?mt=2 Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/inspiring-teachers/id1442182731?mt=2
How do you strike a balance in purchasing for your collection? What do you do to insure your students' choices are included and to what extent does crude humor find its way onto your shelves? Take a listen and decide for yourself. Colby Sharp’s newsletter and video Intellectual Freedom Blog: Librarians Beware: Self-Censorship The Booklist Reader: Whats’s with the Underwear in Picture Books? Children’s Book Review: 7 Underwear Books for Kids NYT: Beyond Battles, Boogers and Pranks
There are many ways to create a book desert — an area where a child has little or no access to books. Maybe a school's budget cuts lead to closure of the library. Maybe a neighborhood bookstore closes. Maybe the closest public library is too far away to reach by public transportation. Whatever the cause, the problem is clear: Too many children in the U.S. lack access to books. This week, we're talking with literacy advocates Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp about how crucial access is. It's a topic they address in their new book for K-8 educators, Game Changer! Donalyn and Colby discuss how access to a wide variety of texts, choice in what to read, and time to read are “game changers” for the lives of all children, enhancing academic achievement while shaping kids' understanding of themselves and their world. They also offer practical ways that educators and families can make small changes that can enrich their readers' lives in major ways. Additional resources: Learn more about Game Changer! Learn more about The Nerdy Book Club Learn more about Nerd Camp Learn more about Donalyn Miller Learn more about Colby Sharp Guests: Donalyn Miller is a leading expert on independent reading, children's literature, and the author of two bestsellers, The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild. She is founder of the annual #bookaday event, co-founder with Colby Sharp of The Nerdy Book Club, and co-host of the monthly Twitter chat, #titletalk. Her articles have appeared in Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership, The Washington Post, and other prominent periodicals. Colby Sharp, a fifth-grade teacher at Parma Elementary School in Parma, Michigan, is co-founder of Nerd Camp and The Nerdy Book Club. He co-hosts the monthly twitter chats #sharpschu (with John Schumacher) and #titletalk (with Donalyn Miller), and, with Travis Jonker, The Yarn Podcast. He is the editor of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Emily Morrow
There are many ways to create a book desert — an area where a child has little or no access to books. Maybe a school's budget cuts lead to closure of the library. Maybe a neighborhood bookstore closes. Maybe the closest public library is too far away to reach by public transportation. Whatever the cause, the problem is clear: Too many children in the U.S. lack access to books. This week, we're talking with literacy advocates Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp about how crucial access is. It's a topic they address in their new book for K-8 educators, Game Changer! Donalyn and Colby discuss how access to a wide variety of texts, choice in what to read, and time to read are “game changers” for the lives of all children, enhancing academic achievement while shaping kids’ understanding of themselves and their world. They also offer practical ways that educators and families can make small changes that can enrich their readers' lives in major ways. Additional resources: Learn more about Game Changer! Learn more about The Nerdy Book Club Learn more about Nerd Camp Learn more about Donalyn Miller Learn more about Colby Sharp Guests: Donalyn Miller is a leading expert on independent reading, children’s literature, and the author of two bestsellers, The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild. She is founder of the annual #bookaday event, co-founder with Colby Sharp of The Nerdy Book Club, and co-host of the monthly Twitter chat, #titletalk. Her articles have appeared in Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership, The Washington Post, and other prominent periodicals. Colby Sharp, a fifth-grade teacher at Parma Elementary School in Parma, Michigan, is co-founder of Nerd Camp and The Nerdy Book Club. He co-hosts the monthly twitter chats #sharpschu (with John Schumacher) and #titletalk (with Donalyn Miller), and, with Travis Jonker, The Yarn Podcast. He is the editor of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection. Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Emily Morrow
Join me as I delve into the divisive issue of classroom libraries and our role in supporting them as school librarians. Challenge the recommendations for teachers in creating a library of their own. Recognize the struggle for school funding and how librarians and teachers can team up to support our shared goal of growing readers. Colby Sharp’s classroom tour NTCE’s Statement on classroom libraries Scholastic’s The 11 Essentials for an Effective classroom library Love them or hate them Pernille Ripps’ Questions to Assess our Classroom Library Before Back-to-School Jim Bailey’s A classroom library: If you build it, they will read
COLBY SHARP is a husband, father of five, fifth grade teacher, avid reader and book reviewer, runner, and self-proclaimed nerd. He is the author of The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection (https://amzn.to/2zpzGZf) and 2018’s Game Changer!: Book Access for All Kids (https://amzn.to/2QTtsqX). In our conversation, Colby recalls the discouragement of a harsh professional evaluation and explains how he grew from the experience. He describes the mission and process of The Creativity Project, and explains how teachers can use this anthology to inspire creative expression in their English classrooms. He also shares about his passion for reading, putting books in the hands of kids, creativity, daily exercise, podcasts, Casey Neistat, and much more. Follow Colby online here: TW: https://twitter.com/colbysharp IG: https://www.instagram.com/colbysharp/ Blog: https://www.mrcolbysharp.com/ YT: https://bit.ly/2OIfAyt Visit https://teachersonfire.net/ for show notes and links! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/teachersonfire/support
My thoughts regarding a couple of Twitter conversations and the value we are putting on products coming into our classroom. Thanks for the inspiration #g2great and Colby Sharp.
Intro Hi everyone and welcome to the Books Between Podcast! I believe in the power of stories to connect us to others in our world. My goal is to help you connect kids with incredible books and share inspiring conversations with the authors and educators who make that magic happen. Every other Monday, I bring you book talks, interviews, and ideas for getting great books into the hands of kids between 8-12. I am Corrina Allen - a mom of an 8 and 10 year old, a 5th grade teacher, and now making multiple visits to the orthodontist for both of my daughters. Farewell popcorn and hello palate expanders! This is Episode #45 and Today I’m discussing some ideas to make your read alouds even better and then sharing with you a conversation with educator Colby Sharp about The Creativity Project! Two quick announcements. First, the March MG at Heart Book Club pick is The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street and the April book is The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson. So adjust your TBR pile if you want to join us for those conversations later this spring. And remember that #MGBookMarch is going strong this month, and I have been so inspired by all of your responses. If you haven’t yet, I hope you’ll jump into the conversation! How to Rock Your Read Aloud Last week, I had to be out of my classroom for three days for special ed meetings and various professional development training. And so I left some short picture books for the sub to read while I was away and the students foisted some of their favorites on them as well. And let me tell you - my students had OPINIONS about those experiences when I got back! And it got me thinking - it is SO hard to grab a book you’ve never read and be open and vulnerable enough in front of an audience to read it aloud well. It takes some bravery to take those chances to give yourself over to the book. In case you were wondering, it was The Book With No Pictures - the incredible book that “tricks” the reader into saying silly things. So today I am going to share with you some ways that you can rock your read aloud with your students, your own kids, or any group of children. I’ll chat about what to do before, during, and at the end of your read aloud. And I’ll read aloud some non-spoilery samples from one of my all-time favorite books - and the one whose sequel is released tomorrow - The Wild Robot. Before the read aloud. There are some things you can do to prepare ahead of time to make that read aloud really come to life. Pick the right book! Some books just aren’t that great to read aloud. My daughters asked me to read aloud El Deafo a few years ago and it worked...okay… since they could sit on either side of me and see the illustrations, but I think a whole class read aloud of a whole graphic novel would be tough. Books with short chapters are really great. Books that have tons of internal thinking or long sections of description can be tough though. Also, some of the classics have tricky sentence structure or difficult vocabulary. Or contain messages or stereotypes that we don’t want to perpetuate anymore. So - look to resources and people you trust for some good recommendations. Listen to great examples If you want to improve, listen to other people read aloud to pick up their tricks. And listen to audio books. There are often samples you can listen to on Audible that will give you some ideas of voices to do. Or how to modulate your voice and tone and speed to match the story and the characters. We’ll chat more about that in a bit, but I have learned SO much from Jim Dale’s performance of Harry Potter. And Neil Gaiman’s readings of his novels, or most recently, the masterful performance of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Robin Miles. Listening to those examples, helped me realize that a good read aloud IS a performance. Preview the book ahead of time. It really helps if you’ve at least read the chapter before so you don’t get lost in the sentences. And read it out loud - even if you’re just mouthing it to yourself. Three things to pay attention to: new characters you’ll have to voice, punctuation, and dialogue tags (the part of the sentence that says “she yelled”, or “he said angrily”). I am reading The Wild Robot with my class right now. I’ve read it before so I thought I was all good, but I didn’t skim Chapter 45 first so when we got reintroduced to the otters, I forgot that the first otter speaking was Shelly and so I read it in a low male voice - and so I backed up and reread it in a more female-coded voice. (I could have decided to just have our Shelly have a low voice - sometimes I think it’s good to adjust expectations a bit. But, I’d recommend just being intentional about it.) Or sometimes the dialogue tag at the end will say, “he whispered.” and oops! I didn’t whisper that. Skimming the chapter ahead of time will help. Review When continuing a read aloud of a chapter book, I have found that it’s helpful to do a quick recap of the last section. In my class, we call this “Previously in The Wild Robot” and I’ll call on a few kids to refresh our memory of what happened and where we left off. And sometimes I’ll even reread the last paragraph or two just to pick back up the threads of the story to get that momentum back. I notice that my Audible app does this automatically - when I stop the book and restart, it goes back about 15 seconds - which is so helpful. During the read aloud As you are performing the story, there are three elements that when they are working well, you will have a memorable and awesome read aloud! Those three elements are your voice, your body language, and your audience. Let’s talk about your voice first because there’s a lot going on here. First of all, project your voice. And probably more than you think you have to. I don’t know about your space, but I am battling a TON of white noise in my classroom - the heater is blowing, the projector is whirring, the class across the hall is making some noise. So you have to cut through all that and angle your mouth further up than maybe you naturally would. When you are reading aloud a text, you want to try to find the music and rhythm in the language. It’s about how the cadence and inflection of your voice matches the tone of the scene and how the characters are feeling. If it’s something mysterious is happening, add that little question to your voice. If it’s a sad moment, then you’ll want to slow down and maybe read more carefully with that emotion coming through. For example, on page 58 of The Wild Robot, there is the part where Roz falls down the cliff: Expressing the right tone is about finding that rhythm, but it’s also about volume. If a character yells - you yell. And whisper those poignant lines so your class leans in to hear them. Use the dramatic slow down. Speed up when there’s energy or a chase or big climatic scene. And repeat important parts - look up at the kids. Give them a moment to digest and think. Those lines in the book that give you a deep message, that foreshadow something later, that are the heart of the story - repeat them! And maybe emphasize a different word the second time. Here’s an example from Chapter 37 of The Wild Robot where we first meet a new character - Chitchat the squirrel. SO in that section, based on the cues of the text - I made my voice bouncy when Chitchat bounces across the lawn and then fast and sort of nervous when she’s talking. Another hugely important aspect of using your voice to convey meaning is by what most kids call “doing the voices”. That’s often their biggest compliment to an adult who reads out loud to them - that they do the voices well. And it takes some practice and some planning to figure out how to perform and almost embody those various characters. Something that has really helped me is to think about what actor or actress might be cast in that role and then try to “do” their voice. In The Wild Robot, I modeled Roz on Alexa. The older goose, Loudwing, was Julia Sweeney for some reason. Here’s an example from Chapter 44, The Runaway: Now, YOU and the students might not hear those actors in my voice, but it helps me to keep the character’s voice straight and consistent throughout the book. And it gives me ideas of different ways that I could do different voices. Now let’s talk about your body language! First of all, move around the room instead of just sitting in one spot. And try gesturing with the hand not holding the book. If a character is described as doing an action, like pointing, I’ll point. If the author has the character cough or sneeze - do that! And let your facial expressions reflect the tone of the story and mood of the characters. If there’s anxiousness in the description, furrow your brow and curl into yourself. If they are described as smiling, I’ll smile as I say that part. And you can hear that smile in your voice. The children look for visual cues to understand the text so add a little performance to it. A last way to really boost the engagement of your students or children during the read aloud is to get them involved in some way. Shorter picture books are easier to do this with because they can often see the words to say them. My class loves reading the colored words in books like She Persisted or You Don’t Want a Unicorn. But it’s a bit trickier when you are reading aloud a novel. But - there are some ways to do it. One idea is to include your audience in some kind of small action. I remember when I was taking a graduate education class, my professor read us Seedfolks. And I vividly recall her gently placing imaginary seeds into the palms of each of our hands as she read. Just that small little thing brought us into the story, and I’ve never forgotten it. (It also goes to show that you are never too old to enjoy a read aloud! And that you can get cool ideas by listening to experienced people read out loud.) In our class, one of the mentor texts we use a lot is Eleven by Sandra Cisneros. And there’s this part where the teacher dumps this nasty old red cottage-cheese-smelling sweater on the desk of one of her students. So, of course when I read it aloud, I mimic dropping that sweater on a student’s desk and then aim the teacher’s dialogue at that kid. Or one time I was reading a poem where one of the characters got their shoulder bumped by another person, so as I read that part and walked past a student I dipped down and (gently!) bumped their shoulder with mine. Now, you have to know your kids well enough to know who would respond well to that. Adding those little actions can really get the audience more invested and involved in the story. At the end of the read aloud At the end of the read aloud time, when you’ve got to stop. Always try to end on a cliffhanger - even if it’s the middle of a chapter. A lot of authors are really skilled at those chapter endings but you want to leave them wanting more! Begging to read just one more chapter! And sometimes - indulge them! Most importantly - enjoy yourself! If you are having fun reading the story and you are getting into it - your kids will love it, too. There a hundred reasons why read alouds are so important. Of course it models fluency and introduces sophisticated vocabulary. I’ll just end by mentioning that many accomplished readers talk so fondly about those early experiences being read to that sparked that passion for story in their lives. For me, that’s my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Simile, reading The Search for Delicious to us. I just fell head over heels for that story in a way that it became part of me. Read alouds create this shared experience that you and those children will have forever. And now - I would love to hear from you! I am always looking for ways to improve my read alouds, and I’m sure our listeners would love more ideas as well. And I am sure you have some awesome suggestions! You can email me at booksbetween@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter/Instagram at the handle @Books_Between. Colby Sharp - Interview Outline Our guest this week is Colby Sharp! He is a teacher, one of the founders of the Nerdy Book Club site, a co-host of The Yarn podcast, organizer of NerdCamp Michigan, and now…. author of The Creativity Project! A few weeks ago we sat down to chat about the book, what’s been inspiring him in his classroom, books he’s been reading, and so much more! Take a listen... The Creativity Project The Creativity Project will finally make its way into the world this March. How did this project get started? Logistically - how did the exchange of prompts work and how did you decide who received which prompt? Did you get to see them before they went out? Are there some responses that are really memorable to you? I love that The Creativity Project works not only as an anthology that you could just enjoy as a reader, but also as a spur to your own writing. It’s going to be a great resource for teachers! Have you used the prompts in your own classroom? What writing projects are you working on now? Your Teaching Life You recently switched grade levels - going from teaching 3rd grade to 5th grade. How has that been going for you? What have been some of your favorite, most memorable teaching moments with your students this year? What does reading look like in your class? Your Reading Life Something that I think about a lot is how sometimes it only takes ONE person to really influence a child’s reading life - either in a positive way or sometimes in a negative way. Was there someone in your life who impacted you as a reader? What have you been reading lately that you’ve liked? Links: Colby’s website - https://www.mrcolbysharp.com Colby on Twitter and Instagram Student Podcasts: Colby’s Students & Corrina’s Students Books & Authors We Chatted About: Hatchet (Gary Paulsen) Holes (Louis Sachar) Enticing Hard to Reach Writers (Ruth Ayres) The Truth as Told By Mason Buttle (Leslie Connor) Freak the Mighty (Rodman Philbrick) See You in the Cosmos (Jack Cheng) Closing Alright, that wraps up our show this week! If you have a question about how to connect kids between 8-12 to books they’ll love or a suggestion about a topic we should cover, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at booksbetween@gmail.com or message me on Twitter/Instagram at the handle @Books_Between. Books Between is a proud member of the Education Podcast Network. This network features podcasts for educators, created by educators. For more great content visit edupodcastnetwork.com Thank you so much for joining me this week. You can get an outline of interviews and a full transcript of all the other parts of our show at MGBookVillage.org. And, if you are liking the show, please leave us some love on iTunes or Stitcher so others can discover us as well. Thanks and see you soon! Bye!
Hello everyone! Last week, I talked about how I had trouble naming our two-part episode with Todd Nesloney, but this week is different...because we dive DEEP into his new book STORIES FROM WEBB, and the amazing story behind this fantastic tribute to educators. But again, we didn’t just discuss his book on this episode, either. Truly, we discussed how community, and supporting communities, can be more powerful than any one book, idea, or person. We discussed how amazing educators are. We gushed over the Ron Clark Academy (both in part one and two). We give shout outs to all the teachers not on a podcast, or who don’t have books coming out, because of how great and amazing they are. We signal boost great educators doing their thing on the internet, like Adam Dovico, Hope and Wade King, Mary Howard, Kim Bearden, and Colby Sharp (part one and two for all). We unpack what it means to lead a school. We affirm what it means to be an educator. I couldn’t be more excited for you all to hear this two-part episode, and nab Todd’s newest book, Stories from Webb: The Ideas, Passions, and Convictions of a Principal and His School Family , as well as his other superb work, Kids Deserve It!: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Conventional Thinking . Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring “Kids Deserve It!” and “Flipping 2.0: Practical Strategies for Flipping Your Class” and his brand new release “Stories from Webb”. He has also published a children’s book, “Spruce & Lucy”. Todd has been recognized by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in Education, by the Center for Digital Education as one of their “Top 40 Innovators in Education”, by the BAMMYs as the “National Elementary Principal of the Year” and the “National Elementary Teacher of the Year”, by the Texas Computer Education Association as their “Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year”, and by the White House as a Connected Educator “Champion of Change”. Enjoy! See you next week. Don’t forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!
Hello everyone! I had trouble naming this two-part episode with Todd Nesloney. On one hand, I wanted to simply call it, Stories From Webb, since that's the name of Todd's fantastic new book. But as I edited the show this week, I realized this discussion was bigger than that. We didn't just discuss his book. Truly, we discussed how community, and supporting communities, can be more powerful than any one book, idea, or person. We discussed how amazing educators are. We gushed over the Ron Clark Academy (both in part one and two). We give shout outs to all the teachers not on a podcast, or who don't have books coming out, because of how great and amazing they are. We signal boost great educators doing their thing on the internet, like Adam Dovico, Hope and Wade King, Mary Howard, Kim Bearden, and Colby Sharp (part one and two for all). We unpack what it means to lead a school. We affirm what it means to be an educator. I couldn't be more excited for you all to hear this two-part episode, and nab Todd's newest book, Stories from Webb: The Ideas, Passions, and Convictions of a Principal and His School Family, as well as his other superb work, Kids Deserve It!: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Conventional Thinking. Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring “Kids Deserve It!” and “Flipping 2.0: Practical Strategies for Flipping Your Class” and his brand new release “Stories from Webb”. He has also published a children’s book, “Spruce & Lucy”. Todd has been recognized by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in Education, by the Center for Digital Education as one of their “Top 40 Innovators in Education”, by the BAMMYs as the “National Elementary Principal of the Year” and the “National Elementary Teacher of the Year”, by the Texas Computer Education Association as their “Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year”, and by the White House as a Connected Educator “Champion of Change”. Enjoy! See you next week. Don't forget to subscribe and review the show on iTunes!
Intro Hi everyone and welcome to Books Between - a podcast for teachers, parents, librarians, and anyone who wants to connect kids between 8-12 to books they’ll love. I’m your host, Corrina Allen - a teacher, a mom, and spending a lovely weekend with my family inside away from the bitter cold playing epic games of Sorry and watching all the Star Wars movies. Again. This is Episode #41 and today I’m sharing with you some fabulous 2018 titles to look forward to this year and an awesome interview with EngiNerds author Jarrett Lerner! Book Talk - Most Anticipated Middle Grade Books of 2018 Typically in this segment, I share with you a few books centered around a theme. And during the last few episodes I was all about looking back at some of the best middle grade fiction and graphic novels of 2017. (If you missed those, go check out episodes #39 and #40.) But this week I want to talk about some of the most anticipated books of the upcoming year. Some are long-awaited sequels or new installments in well-loved series. Some are new ventures for favorite authors. And some are by debut authors. So, buckle up and and get ready to add to your wish list. And just a reminder - before you scramble for a pen and paper. You can find every book mentioned here AND a picture of the available covers AND a link to pre-order them right through the Books Between Podcast link at AlltheWonders.com. I’ve got your back, I know you’re busy, so it’s all right there for you. And I’ve come to really love pre-ordering - it helps out favorite authors and it’s like a little gift to your future self. Two quick things to mention before I start. One - this is just a sampling of all the incredible books coming out this year. I’ll add some links to some great resources in the shownotes where you can find more complete listings of titles to browse through and discover some gems: http://www.readbrightly.com/middle-grade-books-2018/ https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/98185.Middle_Grade_Novels_of_2018 https://mgbookvillage.org/2018releasedates/ https://electriceighteens.com/ And second - publication dates do change, so while I’ve mentioned the book release month - things sometimes change. All right - let’s get to it! Coming in January… Let’s start with the some sequels because there are some AWESOME sequels coming our way to give us something to look forward to during this dreary month…. Linda William’s Jackson’s follow-up to Midnight Without a Moon - A Sky Full of Stars is out this January as Rose struggles with the way to face the rising racial tensions in her community. Ooooo - and the new Fenway & Hattie is out this January!!! I just can’t get enough of that little dog! This third one is called Up to New Tricks so definitely snag that one for your Fenway fans - and for you, too! And Gordon Korman’s Supergifted is also set for a January release - this is the sequel to Ungifted - a great book about a boy named Donovan who is mistakenly transfering into a gifted program and has to figure out how to pass as brilliant. This follow up is about his new friend, Noah. We are also getting another Terrible Two book in January - Terrible Two Go Wild! And a new Spy on History book - Victor Dowd and the World War II Ghost Army! Ah! And we a get a new HiLo book this January! It’s called Waking the Monsters! (As my husband said - yeah, that sounds like what I do every weekday.) Our 8 year old is SUPER psyched about this new book! - so keep ‘em coming Judd Winick! Okay - and it’s not really a sequel BUT - there is just released a GRAPHIC NOVEL version of the first The Wings of Fire book - ahhhh!!! It’s illustrated by Mike Holmes and my students are going to FREAK when I tell them tomorrow. Some other January releases that are looking fabulous are…. Betty Before X - an historical fiction novel set in the 40s about 11-year-old Betty Shabazz - future civil rights leader. This one is written by her daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz with Renee Watson Winterhouse by debut author Ben Guterson - this is an urban fantasy mystery set in a magical hotel containing a huge library with secrets to discover. We are also getting the first middle grade book by picture book author Angela Dominguez called Stella Diaz Has Something to Say! Another novel that looks REALLY interesting is called TBH, This is SO Awkward by Lisa Greenwald and it’s told entirely in texts. So I definitely need to check that one out. And my friend Emily Montjoy has been raving about Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard so I’m looking forward to my turn with that one. Also - Leslie Connor, the author of the critically-acclaimed All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, has a new novel out in January called The Truth as Told By Mason Butte - so definitely check that one out. Natalie Lloyd also has a new novel coming out this January! So if you liked A Snicker of Magic or The Key to Extraordinary, look for The Problim Children - which is described as a mix between Lemony Snicket and the Addams Family... Annnd - the new Elly Swartz novel - Smart Cookie!! I had a chance to read an ARC of this one with my daughters and oh I can’t wait for it to be out in the world! On to February … One that I’ve had a chance to read ahead of time is Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein by Jennifer Roy and Ali Fadhil. I’ll talk more about this book later when I have time to really go into depth, but for now I’ll just say - preorder it. A great historical fiction about an Iraqi boy during the first Gulf War. Then we have The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta - a fantasy about a New Jersey girl discovering that she may, in fact, be an Indian princess. The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic looks really fun. It’s about a dorky math nerd who vows to reinvent herself at her new school. And when she makes a wish as the clock strikes 11:11, she gets granted a magical object that might help her. Shannon Hitchcock, author of Ruby Lee & Me has a new novel coming out in February - this one is call One True Way. Another one to look out for in February is Becoming Madeleine: A Biography of the Author of A Wrinkle in Time by Her Granddaughters. With all the buzz about Wrinkle in Time with the new movie coming out, this book looks really great. Aaand - we get a new John David Anderson novel in February!! This one (Granted) is so different from Ms. Bixby or Posted, but I just loved it! It’s a fantasy novel about a fierce fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets who runs into some trouble as she attempts to grant her first wish. In March, there are so books I am really looking forward to! My principal won’t mind if a take a month-long reading sabbatical, right? Like Vanessa is the debut novel by author Tami Charles - it’s set in 1983 and is about a young girl inspired by seeing Vanessa Williams get crowned Miss America and is encouraged by her teacher to enter a beauty pageant. Lauren Magaziner has a new book out in March called Wizardmatch that looks like a fun fantasy. And The Science of Breakable Things by debut author Tae Keller looks really good - a book about a scientifically minded girl competing in an egg-drop contest AND using those skills to try to help her mom deal with her struggles. In March we also get Colby Sharp’s Creativity Project! An “awesometastic” collection of short stories developed from the author’s prompts to each other. It is a fantastic read and such a clever idea! Definitely one that teachers will want on hand to spark your writers’ imaginations. The Train of Lost Things by Ammi Joan-Paquette is another favorite of my #BookVoyage friend Emily Montjoy - who has amazing taste by the way. (Definitely go follow her on Twitter @mrsmontjoyreads ! ) So I’m looking forward to a chance to read this one as well. Oh! And the next Dan Gemeinhart novel comes out in March!! It is called Good Dog and I can’t read the synopsis to you or I’ll start crying but it sounds simply wonderful. Of course it is - it’s Dan Gemeinhart! March lets us reconnect with some favorite characters with a great bunch of sequels coming out. We get a new Emily Windsnap book, Emily Windsnap and the Falls of Forgotten Island. And a new Star Scouts graphic novel - League of Lasers The third Narwhal and Jelly book (Peanut Butter and Jelly) come out. The 78-Story Treehouse as well as a new Dory Fantasmagory book called Head in the Clouds along with a new Stick Dog Stick Dog Crashes a Party. We also get Elana Arnold’s follow up to A Boy Called Bat - Bat and the Waiting Game And - probably the book that I have been waiting and waiting for. DYING to read with my daughters - is The Wild Robot Escapes - the sequel to Peter Brown’s incredible The Wild Robot! So - mark your calendars for March 13th, pre-order this one, AND - if you haven’t yet read the first one…. well, what’s the matter with you? Get on that! In April we have lots to look forward to including sequels, like: The next Moon Base Alpha book called Waste of Space, Janet Tashjian’s My Life As a YouTuber , and Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl will be out. And Adrienne’s Kress’ second Explorers book - The Reckless Rescue! And the third book in Jason Reynold’s incredible Track series will be out! It’s called Sunny and follows “the chillest dude on the Defenders team”, but one with a troubled life at home that hides behind that sunny smile. And, the debut by Laurie Morrison and Cordelia Jenson, called Every Shiny Thing looks really really good…. I’m also looking forward to the new Jewell Parker Rhodes novel called Ghost Boys. It’s about a young boy who is killed by the police when they mistake his toy gun for the real thing. And as a ghost, he witnesses how that event unfolds in his neighborhood and meets other ghosts like Emmett Till. Oh that gives me chills just thinking about it! And - we get a new Kwame Alexander novel this year! It is called Rebound - the much-awaiting prequel to his Newbery-winning The Crossover. This one about Josh and Jordan’s father, Chuck Bell. On to the awesome May releases to watch for: Terri Libenson’s new graphic novel - Positively Izzy looks great- it’s the companion to Invisible Emmie. And the The Cobalt Prince, the second 5 Worlds graphic novel will be out. Another May release that I am so so excited about is Most Valuable Players - the next Phil Bildner Rip & Red book. There are three books coming in May that have been getting a lot buzz lately - one is called Bob - written by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. I can’t wait to see the awesomeness THAT collaboration brings! The second one is Aisha Saeed’s middle-grade debut, Amal Unbound, which is about a Pakistani girl forced into working as an indentured servant to pay off her family’s debts. Friends who have read this one are saying it is incredible. And then I keep hearing about Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Let me just read you a bit from the description and tell me this doesn’t sound AMAZING! Okay, “Mia Tang has a lot of secrets. Number 1-She lives in a motel, not a big house. Number 2- Her parents hide immigrants. Number 3-She wants to be a writer.” In June we have some really cool books coming our way: Kate Messner’s new novel Breakout - based on some details from the real-life (and close to home for me) breakout of two prisoners in New York and how the community reacts to that situation. I can’t WAIT for this one!! Also - Kate Beasley (of Gertie’s Leap to Greatness) and Dan Santat (of a million books you love, most recently the picture book After the Fall) are teaming up for a book called Lions & Liars - about a boy named Frederick who is sent to a disciplinary camp for troublesome boys. That one looks phenomenal! And Laura Shovan’s new book Takedown is coming this June! Can’t wait to read this novel about a girl who wants to join the wrestling team. I keep hearing people raving about it on Twitter. And Barbara Dee has a new novel coming out in June called Everything I Know About You. We also get to read Wendy McLeod MacKnight’s new middle grade novel The Frame-up! I had a chance to read this one this past fall and it is phenomenal. It’s about a young artist who goes to live with his father for the summer and attends an art-camp at the museum where his father is the director. And he soon discovers that the paintings are alive! Truly - after reading this book, I’ll never look at another painting the same way again. It’s so so good! And thankfully I have July and August off from school, so I can catch up AND snag some summer release books such as…. Cindy Baldwin’s debut - Where the Watermelons Grow And my daughter will be thrilled to know there will be a new Dog Man this summer called Lord of the Fleas! Oh! And Denis Markell, author of Click Here to Start has a new novel coming this summer called The Game Masters of Garden Place. Also this summer is a cool book called Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya. Let me read you a blurb: “Marcus Vega is six feet tall, 180 pounds, and the owner of a premature mustache. When you look like this and you're only in the eighth grade, you're both a threat and a target.” And the rest of the description is so good - definitely check this one out. This August we also get a new Jess Keating book! This one is called Cute as an Axolotl: Discovering the World's Most Adorable Animals So after August, specific publication dates get a little harder to come by. BUT - a few things have popped up. Like.. A new Last Kids on Earth book called The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond The new Nameless City graphic novel called The Divided Earth The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden!! A new Beatrice Zinker book! And I can’t wait for Jarrett Krosoczka's graphic novel memoir coming out called Hey, Kiddo. Also - I saw, I think... a Sarah Weeks has a sequel to So B. It coming out called Soof? That is definitely on my radar! And the big news in my class this week - the 8th Amulet book!!!!!! Woohoo!!! Oh my gosh - my students cheered when I told them that Kazu Kibuishi announced this on Twitter last week! It is called Supernova and has a beautiful cover so go check that out and make all your middle grade readers happy by pre-ordering it now. So so much to look forward to this year! And of course - I’ll keep you posted about all the amazing books headed our way so we can stay up to date. And definitely make sure you check out the show notes and check out those links so you can dive deeper and discover awesome new books that you are looking forward to reading this year. Main Topic - A Conversation with Jarrett Lerner This week I am so excited to welcome to the show Jarrett Lerner - author of the fantastic middle grade novel EngiNerds. We chat about his plans for the sequel, the power of the perfect metaphor, and Project Runway! Take a listen….. Interview Outline: Enginerds Enginerds has been getting all kinds of love lately - congratulations!! I saw Colby Sharp used Enginerds as his example in his 5 ways to support authors you love video. For those who aren’t (yet!) familiar with Enginerds, can you tell what this story is about? What was your thought process like when deciding what your robots would look like and act like? Enginerds is in a long and glorious line of children’s books and movies and TV shows featuring robots. What are some of your favorites? We are getting a book two, right?! Other Middle Grade Projects So I saw on Twitter last month that you have teamed up with Analiese Avery (@_AJAvery) to launch @MG_BookBot. How did that get started and what are your plans? And I am so excited about your new middle grade focused website - MG Book Village! Aside from the twitter hashtags, what are you hoping to include on the site? Tell me about your KidLit Mentorship Project…. Project Runway Your Writing Life What is your writing process like? What are you working on now? Your Reading Life One of the things I talk about a lot with other educators is the power of that one person to really influence a child’s reading life - either in a really positive way or sometimes in a negative way. Was there someone in your life who impacted you as a reader? What have you been reading lately that you’ve liked? Thank You! Links: Jarrett’s Website - https://jarrettlerner.com Jarrett on Twitter and Instagram Books & Authors We Chatted About: Jasmine Toguchi Series Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus The First Rule of Punk Kurt Vonnegut Baby-Sitters Club Sweet Valley High Judy Blume Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker Clementine Ramona Jerry Spinelli The Game Masters of Garden Place Oddity Other Topics We Chatted About: MG Book Village Website #MGBookathon Electric 18 Debut Group Project Runway The Kentaro Dead Cat Scene Tim Gunn’s Golden Rules Melissa Roske’s Interview with Jarrett Lerner Closing Alright, that’s it for today! If you have a question about how to connect kids between 8-12 to books they’ll love or a suggestion about a topic we should cover, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at booksbetween@gmail.com or message me on Twitter/Instagram at the handle @Books_Between. Thank you so much for joining me this week. You can get a full transcript of this show and all of our previous episodes at AlltheWonders.com. And, if you are liking the show, please leave us some love on iTunes or Stitcher. Or even better - tell a friend about us! Thanks and see you soon! Bye!
Hello everyone! As more and more news outlets decide to condemn schools, more and more politicians find it to their liking to tell their version of what public education is (and is not,) it's becoming extremely important for teachers and administrators to step outside of their bubbles and share their stories. I'd argue that educators don't control their narrative right now. Everyone outside of us, the people who want to have a say in our pay, our funding, and how we are held "accountable," control it. I think it's time to take that control back, and I brought Colby Sharp to the podcast to help tell us why. Colby is a fifth grade teacher in Parma, Michigan. He's been a classroom teacher since 2006. In 2011, he started the Nerdy Book Club blog with friend of the show Donalyn Miller. He co-hosts The Yarn podcast with Teacher Librarian Travis Jonker. He also serves on the Nerd Camp, a free literacy event that takes place in Parma, Michigan each summer. His first book, The Creativity Project, hits shelves April 10, 2018. In this episode, Colby says, "We need to share our stories, because if we aren't sharing our stories, other people will," and continues by sharing why he creates the many projects he does, and how it all goes back to helping the kids. I couldn't recommend this episode more. I believe in the message of this episode, and I believe in the power of sharing what we do as educators...Someone will either way, wouldn't you want it to be us? As an added bonus to the conversation, we also briefly discuss his work in his classroom, his philosophy with teaching ELA, and all about his desire to give kids the love of reading. Enjoy!
Join us for the last episode in the series on why teaching is so hard. In this segment, we turn our attention to why we love teaching despite the challenges. Follow: @gustafsonbrad, @benjamingilpin @colbysharp @bamradionetwork Colby Sharp is a fifth grade teacher in Parma, Michigan. He is the co-founder of Nerdy Book Club, and the author/editor of The Creativity Project. Dr. Brad Gustafson is the principal and lead learner at Greenwood Elementary in Minnesota. Ben Gilpin is the principal at Warner Elementary School in Spring Arbor, MI.
Welcome to Episode 11 of the Nerdy Bookcast–the final episode of Season 1! Today on the show, Colby Sharp and Kevin Carlson debrief Season 1 and preview Season 2, a post from book-loving teacher Ann DiBella, book talks from Donalyn Miller of some books she would seek out in a bookstore. Today s episode: Season 1 is a Wrap! Thank you for very much for listening! The Post Ann Byler DiBella tweets at @ann_dibella and @cwe_library. “Eleanor and Park Came to Our Wedding” appeared on the Nerdy Bookclub on March 5, 2015. The posts you hear on The Nerdy Bookcast originally appeared on The Nerdy Bookclub. The Book Talks In this episode, Donalyn book talks three titles that are the kinds of books she would seek out in a book store… The Nameless City, by Faith Erin Hicks. Color by Jordie Bellaire Scythe, by Neil Shusterman The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero, by Patricia McCormick If you enjoy the Nerdy Bookcast, please share it with you friends. And, as Colby says, “Thanks for being Nerdy.” Thank you for listening to Season 1 of the Nerdy Bookcast! We will be back with Season 2 in March! The post Season 1 is a Wrap – The Nerdy Bookcast appeared first on Teacher Learning Sessions.
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Nerdy Bookcast! Today on the show, a post from author Josh Funk, and book talks of a couple titles from Colby Sharp and Mr. John Schu's Mock Caldecott list. Today s episode: Teachers Are Rock Stars. Thank you for very much for listening! The Post Josh Funk is the author of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast (Sterling Children's), Dear Dragon (Viking / Penguin), and Pirasaurs (Scholastic). Josh tweets at https://twitter.com/joshfunkbooks (@joshfunkbooks), and his site is http://www.joshfunkbooks.com/. Teachers Are Rock Stars” appeared on the Nerdy Bookclub on March 15, 2016. The posts you hear on The Nerdy Bookcast originally appeared on The Nerdy Bookclub. The book talks In celebration of Picture Book Month, Mr. John Schu and Colby Sharp have announced their 2017 Mock Caldecott titles. In this episode, Colby book talks 2 titles from their list… School's First Day of School, by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson Shy, by Deborah Freedman If you enjoy the Nerdy Bookcast, please share it with you friends. And, as Colby says, “Thanks for being Nerdy.” The post Teachers Are Rock Stars – The Nerdy Bookcast appeared first on Teacher Learning Sessions.
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Nerdy Bookcast! Today on the show, you will get to hear a post from Michigan principal Jim Bailey, eavesdrop on conversation between Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp that was recorded last spring when Donalyn visited Colby s school and his students were at special, and Book Talks of the titles in this year s Global Read Aloud from the creator of the Global Read Aloud herself, Pernille Ripp. Today s episode: Changing the World One Book and One Reader at a Time. Thank you for very much for listening! The Post “Curing the Reading GERM, by Jim Bailey Jim Bailey is the principal at Hemmeter Elementary in Saginaw, Michigan. He has a passion for helping all students become lifelong readers. Jim spends his time reading, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, and enjoying time with his family (wife, Laura, and two sons, Evan and Griffin). He is an all-around nerd who probably spends too much time obsessing over Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Clash of Clans, and comic books. You can follow him on Twitter as @jcbailey3. Curing the Reading GERM appeared on the Nerdy Bookclub on February 8, 2015. The posts you hear on The Nerdy Bookcast originally appeared on The Nerdy Bookclub. The book talks The Titles for the 2016 Global Read Aloud: Works of Lauren Castillo Nana in the City The Troublemaker The Reader Twenty Yawns Yard Sale The BDG, by Roald Dahl Pax, by Sara Pennypacker Orbiting Jupiter, by Gary Schmidt All American Boys, by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Thank you to Global Read Aloud creator Pernille Ripp for this week's book talks. Pernille's blog is Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension. Learn more about the Global Read Aloud. The post Changing the World One Book and One Reader at a Time – The Nerdy Bookcast appeared first on Teacher Learning Sessions.
Colby Sharp (@ColbySharp) and Travis Jonker (@100scopenotes), stop by to reveal The Yarn, an all new podcast they've created to illuminate the process and the people behind getting a book to publication. The inaugural season features Sunny Side Up, a new graphic novel from Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm published by Scholastic Graphix (@GraphixBooks).
In this third episode, Colby Sharp talks with Jon Samuelson about three books for your classroom. Colby is a third-grade teacher in Michigan and one of the founders of the Nerdy Book Club. He also organizes a yearly free conference with authors, students, and teachers called NerdCamp. You can find a ton of literature and a daily blog post at the Nerdybookclub.com. You can connect with Colby on Twitter @colbysharp and Jon @jonsamuelson or the ipadsammy Facebook Page. Find all the links and resources to this show at techlandiaradio.com.
Colby Sharp is a third grade teacher in at Parma Elementary in Parma, Michigan. He’s the co-founder of the Nerdy Book Club and the co-founder of Nerd Camp Michigan. He also co-hosts the monthly Twitter chats #SharpSchu and #Titletalk.
Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin kick off 2015 in style with special guest Ryan Mulnix. Ryan is new to the Western District and he is both teacher and coach. We are excited to learn more about our new additional to the Panther Family!
In this third episode, Colby Sharp talks with Jon Samuelson about three books for students that are ready to make the jump to novels. Colby is a third-grade teacher in Michigan and one of the founders of the Nerdy Book Club. He also organizes a yearly free conference with authors, students, and teachers called NerdCamp. You can find a ton of literature and a daily blog post at the Nerdybookclub.com. You can connect with Colby on Twitter @colbysharp and Jon @jonsamuelson or the ipadsammy Facebook Page. Find all the links and resources to this show soon at techlandiaradio.com.
In this second episode, Colby Sharp talks with Jon Samuelson and Scott Bedley about three of the latest books he really enjoyed reading. Colby is a third grade teacher in Michigan and one of the founders of the Nerdy Book Club. He also organizes a yearly free conference with authors, students, and teachers called NerdCamp. You can find a ton of literature and a daily blog post at the Nerdybookclub.com. You can connect with Colby on Twitter @colbysharp, Jon @ipadsammy, and Scott @tasfair, @scotteach, @scottbedley, and @bedleybros. Find all the links and resources to this show at the ipadsammy.com blog.
Episode six was shot live during the 2nd Annual Ed Tech Kickoff at Western High School. Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin had two phenomenal Western Educators, Alaina Sharp and Suzanne Gibbs, sharing one major focus for the upcoming school year. After a 2+ month hiatus Panthers Podcast is back and ready to share the great stories of Western Educators!
In this first episode, Colby Sharp talks with Jon Samuelson and Scott Bedley about three of the latest books he really enjoyed reading. Colby is a third grade teacher in Michigan and one of the founders of the Nerdy Book Club. He also organizes a yearly free conference with authors, students, and teachers called NerdCamp. You can find a ton of literature and a daily blog post at the Nerdybookclub.com. You can connect with Colby on Twitter @colbysharp, Jon @ipadsammy, and Scott @tasfair, @scotteach, @scottbedley, and @bedleybros. Find all the links and resources to this show at the ipadsammy.com blog.
In this episode, Jon Samuelson @ipadsammy, Alison Anderson @tedrosececi, Scott Bedley @tasfair, (from the @bedleybrothers podcast fills in for Curt), and Colby Sharp @colbysharp chat about the world of educational technology. They also share 3 Twitter users to follow, and some great #eduwins from the past week. Highlighted will be Colby talking about the Nerdcamp Extravaganza in Michigan, the great website the Nerdy Book Club, and some ways to highlight students. Be sure to check out all the links on our List.ly list.
In episode five Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin discuss "Leader in Me" with Paul Wiley. Paul also discusses the impact of transforming Parma to a Leader in Me school. Paul also talks about data collection and the ownership that students receive from "owning" their data. This is a terrific episode that is highlighted by real honesty from Paul! Paul Wiley's Bio: This is Paul's 15th year at Parma Elementary and 2nd year as the Physical Education teacher. Paul was born and raised in the state of Indiana. He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with an additional degree from Indiana University. Paul's family includes - his wife, Stephanie, and three amazing girls: Madison, Summer, and Paige. Madison turned 9 in April and is in 3rd grade at Parma Elementary. Summer and Paige turned 7 in October and are in 1st grade at Parma. Paul says, "In my free time I love to spend time with family, golf, listen to music, and just sit and stare at my girls."
In episode 4 Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin talk with Warner Physical Education teacher Nicole Kelly. Nicole highlights the importance of relationships with both colleagues and students. She also gives several great reminders about the importance of TEAMWORK! Nicole Kelly Bio: Nicole is married to her best friend, Sean. Sean and Nicole have four children. Carson is the oldest. He is six years old and attends 1st Grade at Warner. Claire is the only girl. She is five years old and will be attending kindergarten next year at Warner. Connor and Cole are fifteen-month old twin boys! They are currently working on walking, in opposite directions of course, and getting into as many things as possible :D This is Nicole's first year at Warner. Prior to coming to Warner she taught Science at the Western Middle School. Nicole says, "Elementary PE is a GREAT fit for me because I have a passion for kids, sports, and living healthy, plus I like to have fun."
In episode two Colby Sharp and Ben Gilpin interview High School teacher Steve Kim. Steve discusses his transformation as an educator and shares how his classroom has been reinvented. Steve Kim Bio: I'm married to Christina, and have two boys, Brennan( 6th grade) and Hayden (1st grade). I started my teaching career at JHS and moved to Western in 2005. I've taught all levels of HS English while at Western, but for the most part teach English 9 and 10. When I'm not teaching I love to play golf, coach my boys in basketball, watch them play baseball and read as much as possible.
In this inaugural podcast Mr. Colby Sharp and Mr. Ben Gilpin interview Middle School Assistant Principal Ryan Tripp. Ryan talks about the wall of greatness and how the middle school has flipped the focus. Sit back and enjoy the story of Western Educators. Ryan Tripp's Bio: Personal: I am married to my wonderful wife, Olivia, and am the father to two amazing boys (Caleb and Coby). Experience coaching football, baseball and basketball at the Youth, MS and HS levels. Hobbies include Golf, Basketball, and spending time with my family. Experience: Western Middle School Assistant Principal (2011-Present) Western Middle School History, Computers and Physical Education Teacher (2000-2011) Education: Bachelor's Degree: Secondary Education, Social Sciences and Exercise and Sport Science (Spring Arbor University) Master's Degree: Educational Technology (Western Michigan University) Professional Certificate: Educational Leadership (Eastern Michigan University) Favorite Books: "Lead, For God's Sake" by Todd G. Gongwer "The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership" by James C. Hunter Communication: Twitter: @RyanTripp4 Website: http://assistant-principal-page.wms.westernschools.schoolfusion.us
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